An international Air New Zealand flight has been forced to turn around above the Pacific Ocean because the aircraft’s windscreen was damaged.

Passengers on flight ANZ99, from Auckland to Tokyo, learnt their plane would have to go back to New Zealand as it passed near Vanuatu.

Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity and safety officer David Morgan said flight NZ99 was returning to Auckland so the plane could be repaired.

“Our team is currently working on rebooking customers on the next available service and we thank our customers for their patience while we do this,” Morgan said.

Morgan said aircraft windows are made of multiple layers to withstand any damage - but the plane had to return to Auckland as part of the airline’s standard operating procedure.

A passenger on the plane told the Herald a pilot made an in-flight announcement saying there was an issue with the aircraft which could only be fixed in Auckland.

“Getting turned around to go back home three hours in an eleven-hour flight is not ideal,” the passenger said.

The flight is estimated to arrive in Auckland at 4.30pm after departing the city about 8.50am today.

The aircraft is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.