Fiji Link says it is currently investigating how the emergency window on one of its aircraft opened shortly after take-off yesterday.

The incident happened as Fiji Link flight FJ 140 Lakeba to Suva service departed at 11.35 yesterday morning.

Fiji Link says the flight crew, following safety protocols, immediately acted to return the aircraft to Lakeba, landing at 11.47am yesterday.

The airline says the safety of guests and crew is of paramount importance to Fiji Link.

All 16 guests were briefed and looked after by the Fiji Link crew on Lakeba and will be flown to Suva on a supplementary flight.

It says Fiji Airways engineers will carry out remedial works on the aircraft in Lakeba before it is brought back to the airline’s facilities in Nadi.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji has been informed in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The aircraft is a Viking Twin Otter DHC-6 Series 400.

It was manufactured in July 2017 and joined Fiji Link in February 2018.