An American Airlines plane heading to the United States returned to Bermuda shortly after takeoff Thursday due to a “possible mechanical issue”, the carrier has said.

A replacement aircraft was dispatched to the island as a result of the incident.

A spokesman for the carrier told The Royal Gazette: “American Airlines flight 825 with service from Bermuda to Philadelphia returned to Bermuda due to a possible mechanical issue.

“The flight landed safely and without incident.

“We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.”

According to Flight Radar 24 data, the plane turned back towards Bermuda about 20 minutes after a 1.10pm takeoff and landed at the airport just over 20 minutes later.

The replacement aircraft took off from Bermuda at 9.33pm.

The incident comes after LF Wade International Airport experienced major disruption last Saturday, which officials blamed on weather conditions.