An Air New Zealand plane heading to Tokyo has turned back to Auckland because of a problem with the onboard air reticulation system.

Flight NZ99 from Auckland to Narita, Japan, has an issue with the onboard air reticulation system and the decision has been made to return the flight to Auckland Airport where engineering support is available to easily correct the problem, an airline spokeswoman says.

Engineers will attend to the aircraft on arrival and it is expected to return to service later Saturday.

Air NZ will work to re-accommodate the 256 passengers on board the flight on alternative services.