Pilots have been forced to shut down an engine on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Perth before landing safely.

The Airbus A330-200 left Tullamarine on Monday night but ran into trouble close to Perth Airport.

A passenger aboard QF781 reported hearing a “loud noise” like a burst tyre.

One of the plane’s engines suffered an issue as it approached Perth, a Qantas spokesperson confirmed.

“The pilots followed the procedures for this type of incident and manually shut down the engine and requested a priority landing,” they said in a statement.

“These aircraft are designed to safely operate with one engine.”

Passengers disembarked normally after the plane taxied to the gate under its own power, but engineers will examine the aircraft.

“We know this would have been unsettling for customers on board and we thank them for their co-operation and understanding,” the spokesperson said.

Tweet from @gabzstopper

Darrell Weekes, a passenger aboard the flight, told ABC Radio Sydney there was a “very, very loud bang” and shaking from the left side of the plane.

“All of a sudden, cabin crew were scurrying around and opening up curtains and making preparations for landing without the captain coming on the airwaves,” he said.

“It’s very unsettling to have a large bang and know that you’re only flying on one engine,” he said.

Another passenger, Gabby, wrote on X: “Just want to say thanks to the pilots and crew”.

“That landing was very smooth considering we lost an engine upon descent. But thankful I’ve landed cause s*** was scary to sit through (yes I did cry the whole time and no I won’t be booking a flight soon).”

Australian and International Pilots Association president Tony Lucas said events such as this were unlikely.

“This incident demonstrates that having two well-rested and well-trained pilots on the flight deck is the best safety feature available to aviation,” he said.

“These types of incidents are extremely rare.

“The safety of our passengers, crew and cargo is always the priority for any pilot and we rigorously train for these unlikely scenarios.”