HALIFAX -- A WestJet flight en route to Newfoundland returned to Halifax Thursday morning after declaring an emergency because of a possible problem with its landing gear.

The airline says crew aboard WestJet Encore Flight 3428 got an indication of a potential issue with the nose landing gear shortly after takeoff at about 8 a.m.

Morgan Bell, a media adviser for the airline, says the flight landed safely after circling the airport to burn fuel and reduce landing weight.

The 82 crew and passengers were taken off the Q400 aircraft, which was to be inspected by the airline's maintenance team.

Theresa Rath Spicer, spokeswoman for the Halifax airport, says an emergency response team was deployed and escorted the plane back to the gate after it landed at about 9:40 a.m.

She was not able to comment on the status of the flight.