On Jan 30th 2026, a Jetstar Airbus A321-200N was forced to turn back mid-flight after the crew detected an engine oil quantity issue while cruising over the South Pacific.
The aircraft, registered VH-OLQ and operating flight JQ-120 from Nadi, Fiji to Sydney, Australia, was enroute at FL340 when the crew initiated a descent to FL320. Approximately 15 minutes later, they advised air traffic control of a low oil quantity indication affecting the left-hand LEAP engine and requested to return to Nadi. Despite the indication, the crew reported they were able to maintain FL320 without further immediate complications.
As a precaution, the aircraft later descended to FL280 and continued back toward Fiji. The A321neo landed safely on Nadi’s runway 02 about two and a half hours after departure. There were no reported injuries, and the landing was described as uneventful.
Following the return, the aircraft remained on the ground in Nadi around eight hours after landing while maintenance checks were carried out. As a result of the incident, the scheduled flight to Sydney was cancelled, leaving passengers to be rebooked on alternative services.
The occurrence highlights the conservative decision-making processes applied during long overwater flights, where early indications of technical issues—particularly involving engine systems—prompt crews to return to the nearest suitable airport to ensure continued safety.
