A Singapore Airlines flight was forced to return to Australia when a technical issue arose shortly after take-off.

The Boeing 777, carrying 219 passengers and 17 crew, was flying from Melbourne Airport to Singapore Changi Airport when the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Flight SQ228 departed at 4:51 pm local time before pilots alerted air traffic control and decided to return.

No emergency was declared, and the aircraft landed safely at 5:47 pm.

A Melbourne Airport spokesman said: 'Shortly after take-off, the flight made the decision to return to Melbourne Airport due to a technical issue.

'The plane landed under normal conditions before taxiing safely to the gate.'

Footage shows the aircraft apparently dumping fuel as it circled above the suburbs before returning.

Officials confirmed fuel was released approximately two kilometres above homes to reach a safe landing weight.

The airline said: 'Customers are being provided with meal vouchers while SIA's ground engineering team is trying to resolve the issue.

'SIA sincerely apologises to all affected customers for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority.'