A flight set to jet across the world to Canada was quickly rerouted back to Auckland shortly after the journey began.

Air Canada’s flight AC40, which was headed for Vancouver, returned to Auckland International Airport this afternoon after an “unusual odour” was detected.

According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft returned to Auckland after it departed at 2.51pm and was running about 50 minutes late.

The flight, which typically takes 13 hours, returned to Auckland at 4.02pm.

The plane was Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with 269 passengers and 14 crew aboard.

An Air Canada spokesperson said the plane returned after departure on account of the pilots detecting an unusual odour in the flight deck.

“The aircraft landed normally and has been taken offline for an inspection by maintenance and technical professionals.

“We are making arrangements for the passengers to be rebooked to their final destinations.”