Belfast plane lands after difficulties

John McCaughan was one of 175 people on board the Airbus A320 Thomas Cook service to Tenerife, which developed technical problems in the air on Tuesday.

The plane got as far as the western shore of Lough Neagh before having to double back - it then circled over the area for around 90 minutes to waste fuel before safely landing in Belfast at 11.30am.

The situation triggered a full-scale emergency at the airport, during which the runway was cleared and fire and ambulance crews were put on standby.

Thomas Cook says all passengers on the flight to Tenerife forced to make an emergency landing are going on another flight this afternoon

— Aideen Kennedy (@Aideen_UTV) February 7, 2012

According to Mr McCaughan, flight assistants told passengers that the landing gear had become stuck and the plane's wheels would not fold back.

He told UTV: "It was worrying, traumatic, certainly the palms were a little sweaty for a while - but thankfully it all ended safely.

"There was a young gentleman who was on his first flight so obviously it was traumatic for himself, but thankfully all the staff were superb - they kept us well informed and thankfully nothing transpired that was wrong and we landed safely."

Thomas Cook said the passengers on board the flight were able to disembark safely, before fire crews began examining the jet.

A spokesman for the carrier said: "We're pleased to confirm that flight TCX 8126, which turned back after developing technical problems, has now landed safely at Belfast International Airport."

Belfast International Airport spokesman Uel Hoey said a technical problem had been registered by the captain and passengers on the flight were checked over by emergency crews.

"Obviously there's a certain amount of concern takes place in a circumstance like this but the emergency has been handled in an exemplary fashion as far as we're concerned," he added.

A statement from the PSNI said: "At approximately 10.13am this morning police responded to reports from Belfast International Airport that an aircraft had reported difficulties shortly after taking off.

"Emergency services were put on standby however the plane was able to land safely at the airport at approximately 11.30am.

"There have been no reports of any injuries."

Thomas Cook added that passengers will be offered another flight to Tenerife later.

A spokesman said: "A replacement aircraft is on its way and we expect to get everyone off on their holidays to Tenerife this afternoon."

The replacement flight is due to leave Belfast at 3pm.

^{Source: Flightradar24.com}