Manila, July 3 -- A Saudia Airlines flight bound for Saudi Arabia diverted back to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) about an hour from take off due to technical issue, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said flight SVA 871 departed the airport at 11:52 p.m. Wednesday.

At 12:51 a.m. Thursday, the Manila Area Control Center reported that the flight was diverting back "due to a weather radar malfunction".

The aircraft carrying 263 passengers "safely landed" at NAIA at 1:25 a.m.

As of Thursday afternoon, the aircraft is at the Terminal 1 remote parking.

"CAAP is closely coordinating with the airline and concerned aviation authorities to ensure public safety and to maintain ...