An Air New Zealand flight from Vietnam was forced to turn back to Ho Chi Minh City yesterday after four people were injured when the plane hit turbulence.

The airline said three cabin crew members and one passenger received minor injuries when the turbulence hit about 40 minutes into the flight to Auckland.

The four people were assessed and treated by medical staff when the plane returned to Ho Chi Minh City.

The flight was able to leave again for Auckland at 7am this morning.