Passengers have been removed from a Virgin Australia flight at Melbourne Airport after a plane began leaking fuel.

As the plane was preparing for departure, the fuel leak was spotted and fire trucks were called in as a precautionary measure.

"The captain decided to return to the gate at Melbourne Airport in accordance with standard operating procedures after a minor fuel leak," a Virgin Australia spokeswoman said.

"The passengers disembarked from the aircraft and have been re-accommodated onto another aircraft. Fire services were available as a precautionary measure only.

"Engineers are currently investigating the issue."

A Melbourne Airport spokeswoman said the leak has since been contained.

"Everything is fine, no need for panic," the spokeswoman said.

"The fire trucks are on the tarmac for exactly this sort of thing."

Virgin Australia apologised for the inconvenience and said "the safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority".