diff --git a/hw/ppc/spapr_pci.c b/hw/ppc/spapr_pci.c
index 709a52780d..55ca9dee1e 100644
--- a/hw/ppc/spapr_pci.c
+++ b/hw/ppc/spapr_pci.c
@@ -1663,6 +1663,7 @@ static void spapr_pci_unplug_request(HotplugHandler *plug_handler,
 
         if (pc->is_bridge) {
             error_setg(errp, "PCI: Hot unplug of PCI bridges not supported");
+            return;
         }
 
         /* ensure any other present functions are pending unplug */