Plane forced to turn around after report of smoke

A passenger plane returned to Palmerston North shortly after take-off after a report of smoke on board this evening.

Fire crews headed to Palmerston North Airport about 5.30pm as an Air NZ flight bound for Christchurch headed back.

An Air NZ spokeswoman said the plane landed "without incident".

An airport spokesman confirmed the plane was on the ground but said he wouldn't give out any more details.