A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Ghana to the Netherlands was forced to return to Accra on Thursday night after a reported onboard fire scare shortly after take-off.

Flight KL590, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, departed Kotoka International Airport at about 10:19 p.m. local time en route to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the aircraft turned back about 45 minutes into the flight and carried out holding patterns east of Accra before returning to the airport. The manoeuvres were carried out as the crew assessed the situation and coordinated with air traffic control ahead of a precautionary landing.

The aircraft landed safely at Kotoka International Airport and was met by emergency response teams as a precaution.

No injuries to passengers or crew members were reported.

The cause of the reported fire scare has not yet been confirmed. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and aviation authorities are yet to issue detailed statements on the incident.

Following the incident, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, raised concerns on social media about the aircraft, questioning its age and suitability.

In a post on X at 12:02 a.m., he wrote: “@KLM flight KL590 just forced an emergency landing back to Acc after about 45 mins of take-off. Suspected fire. How old is this plane?”

In a later post at 12:40 a.m., he added: “We need to start questioning these airlines on the state and age of the airplanes they use to ply their trade in Africa…”

Further updates are expected following preliminary assessments by KLM and aviation authorities.