'Unwell' Chinese passenger keeps Jetstar plane in lockdown

A Jetstar plane is seen on the tarmac at Adelaide Airport, May 8, 2019. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

A Jetstar flight from Melbourne has been kept on the tarmac at Hobart Airport for hours, after a passenger reported feeling ill.

The pilot of JQ 713, which touched down at around 2:25 on Friday afternoon, confirmed the delay was due to coronavirus concerns.

3 ambulances and a fire truck were dispatched to the scene, while frustrated passengers were kept in the aircraft.

The Health Department says the male in question will be tested for coronavirus at the Royal Hobart Hospital, but it's not strongly suspected.

“While the man has recently travelled in China, at this stage it is understood he was not in Wuhan or the wider Hubei Province where the disease outbreak is centred. It is not believed that he has been in direct contact with a confirmed case of the disease,” Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch said.

Authorities are apologising for the delay.

Two Tasmanians have already tested negative for the potentially deadly coronavirus, one in Hobart and one in Launceston.

As of 5:30pm the plane was due to be disembarking shortly, with passengers handed contact forms for possible follow-ups by health officials.