Passengers say one of the engines caught fire during takeoff. Some heard two loud sounds and then saw two big sparks. They are all okay.
Passenger Aman Hauja said: "We were about half an hour to 45 minutes into the air and we were informed that there was apparently a fire in one of the engines. The engines were working reasonably well after that announcement, but to be safe and such a long journey, they decided it's better, safer to return back."
Hauja went on to say: "We were I guess pre-warned, so it wasn't too nerve-racking I must say. The pilot and the staff were very reassuring that things are in control and in no danger, working fine."
United Airlines sent this statement to ABC7 News:
"The flight landed safely and we will work to get our customers to Sydney as soon as possible. Our maintenance team is inspecting the aircraft."