A mechanical issue has forced a Jetstar flight to divert back to Perth after less than an hour in the air.

Jetstar flight JST975 had departed Perth Airport shortly before 10.30am on Thursday for a scheduled flight to Melbourne,

Flight tracking shows the Airbus had spent 50 minutes circling the WA coast, doing a loop near Rottnest Island.

The plane safely landed back at Perth Airport at 11.15am.

A passenger aboard the diverted plane shared on social media that the issue was apparently related to a compressor in the engine failing to work.

Other Perth locals in suburbs neighbouring the airport had reported hearing loud bangs from the airport.

Jetstar confirmed the plane faced an engineering issue and the aircraft is being inspected.

“The aircraft returned to Perth and landed safely, and the aircraft is being assessed by engineers,” a spokesperson for Jetstar said.

“The safety of our customers and crew remains our highest priority. We apologise for the disruption and inconvenience caused to our customers.”

It is understood passengers will take alternate flights to Melbourne later on Thursday.