Overview

• Flight BA16 to Singapore turned back about an hour after departing Sydney, with tracking showing the U-turn near New South Wales’ Central Tablelands.
• Recorded radio captured the pilot declaring “Mayday Speedbird 16” and preparing to land on runway 34L with a brief stop requested after touchdown.
• The Boeing 787-9 landed safely, was met by emergency services under standard procedures, and all passengers disembarked without airport disruption.
• The airline said the decision was precautionary following reports of a technical issue, and it has not disclosed a specific cause pending checks.
• Passengers described a fuel or fume smell and reported some screens and lights switching off, though a suspected fuel leak remains unconfirmed; travelers were rebooked.