Virgin plane lands safely after blowing tyre on takeoff

A VIRGIN Blue flight enroute to Sydney has landed safely at Melbourne Airport after blowing a tyre on takeoff.

Emergency services were on alert at Melbourne Airport after a Virgin Blue plane turned around amid fears it had damaged its undercarriage.

Emma Stenhouse from Melbourne Airport said emergency services had been placed on high alert.

"Authorities have responded. Emergency services are on site, however that is normal in this situation,'' Ms Stenhouse said.

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Ms Stenhouse later said the Embraer aircraft with 79 passengers had landed safely at 7.57am (AEDT).

"It had a left main rear tyre blew on take-off,'' she said.