Plane passengers were forced off moments after boarding due to a reported 'mechanical maintenance' issue.

VietJet flight VJ845 was scheduled to depart at 2 pm local time from Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan, bound for Phu Quoc International Airport in Vietnam on November 19.

The Airbus A320 began taxiing at around 2:18 pm, but after roughly 15 minutes, it turned around and returned to the parking area.

Travellers were asked to remain seated before being instructed to prepare for disembarkation as they waited for an explanation from the crew.

An announcement stated: 'Flight VJ845 to Phu Quoc Island will have its departure time changed due to mechanical maintenance. Please take all your carry-on luggage and proceed to the gate waiting area.

By 5 pm, the airline confirmed the flight had been cancelled, informing passengers they would not be travelling that day.

Footage captured by holidaymaker Chao Wei shows passengers collecting their luggage and lining up in the aisle to leave the aircraft.

Chao Wei said: 'I was supposed to take VietJet VJ845 to Phu Quoc on November 19, but it was cancelled at the last minute - really a bit disappointing.

'We were deplaned at 3:37 pm, and by 4:45 pm there were rumours of a possible cancellation. The cancellation was confirmed at around 5 pm.'

Local media reported that the airline arranged accommodation and further assistance for affected passengers.

VietJet is a low-cost carrier with headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam. They fly across Asia and have become known for their female cabin crew's distinctive uniforms.

They were dubbed 'Bikini Airlines' in 2016 for their use of models in two-piece swimsuits in promotional stunts.