Qantas flight forced to turn back to Sydney airport due to reports of fumes

A Qantas flight bound for New Zealand has been forced to turn back to Sydney shortly after take-off, following reports of smoke and fumes in the cabin.

QF163 departed Sydney about 6.40pm yesterday heading for Wellington, but about one hour into the flight was forced to return due to reports of fumes in the rear of the cabin.

The aircraft, carrying 144 people, returned safely to Sydney about three hours later.

Two people required medical treatment due to the fumes.

9News.com.au has contacted Qantas for comment.