LONDON – An Air France scheduled passenger flight operating from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) to Cape Town has declared an emergency. The aircraft now appears to be making a return to Paris.

Air France flight AF864, operated by a Boeing 787-9 registered F-HRBA is making an unscheduled turn over France in what appears to be a return to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The aircraft is squawking 7700, although it is uncertain as to what the nature of the emergency is at this time. It is notable that the aircraft performed what appear to be two orbits shortly after takeoff.

UPDATE #01:

Flight AF864 is now making for Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, and has descended through 12,000 feet (FL120).

UPDATE #02:

The aircraft has continued on descent through 10,000 feet. It is notable that the aircraft originally made what appeared to be two orbits just after departure from CDG. The aircraft then climbed to a relatively lower cruising level of FL220.

UPDATE 03 11.10 UTC:

Flight AF864 now on the ground at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.