SYDNEY (AFP) - An Etihad Airways jet made an emergency landing in Brisbane on Thursday after issuing a mayday distress call, airport officials said.

The A330 passenger plane landed safely after what the Brisbane Courier Mail said was "an in-flight emergency" shortly after take off.

"A mayday call was issued and the A330 made an emergency landing," an airport official told AFP of the Abu-Dhabi-based jet, which was reportedly carrying about 250 passengers on Thursday afternoon.

"We are not sure why the call was issued but the plane landed safely. As is standard procedure, all emergency services were on standby."