An Australian aid flight to Tonga was forced to return to base due to a positive COVID-19 case on board, Reuters reported citing a defense official on Friday.

An Australian defense spokeswoman said that the aircraft left Brisbane on Thursday afternoon but was turned around in mid-flight after being notified of the positive COVID-19 case.

All crew had reported negative rapid antigen tests before departure, but PCR tests later showed a positive result. As a result, the supplies were moved to another flight that took off on Friday.

Tonga is COVID-19 free, has a strict border control policy, and requires contactless aid delivery.

(With input from Reuters)