Passengers on a flight heading to Bali say they saw flames coming from the engine before the plane had to return to Perth Airport.

The pilot of AirAsia flight QZ545 was forced to fly in circles near Rottnest Island, burning fuel so the plane was a safe weight for landing after engine problems.

During this time, the lights were completely out in the cabin.

Some passengers took videos, which showed the plane being met by fire trucks.

“At first we thought it was lightning, but we were on the exit row so we had the full advantage,” one passenger told 9News.

“You can see just going bang, and you can see the sort of explosion and the flames.”

The airport confirmed the plane landed after having engine issues during take-off. 

A Perth Airport spokesperson said passengers were rescheduled onto two flights this morning.

AirAsia has been contacted for comment.