The Etihad Airways flight took off from Manchester Airport at 7.28pm before returning just before 8pm after a loud noise was heard and 'small fire' broke out
The flight to Abu Dhabi from Manchester Airport was halted (file picture) (Image: Etihad Airways)
Passengers have been evacuated off a flight from Manchester to Abu Dhabi after a 'loud bang' was heard shortly after take-off.
Etihad Airways flight EY22 left Manchester at 7.28pm tonight but performed a loop before heading back to the airport and landing again just before 8pm.
Passenger Graham Ecclestone posted a message on Facebook which read: "Took off. Ten minutes later emergency landing back in Manchester . Plane got small fire at back. On ground safe, fire engines attending."
According to website Flight Alerts which tracks air traffic control communications, the flight reported a 'loud bang'.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed the fire service had been called to the runway, reports Manchester Evening News.
The flight did a loop
Passengers on the flight reported having heard a ‘loud bang’ shortly after take-off.
The details of the technical problem the plane encountered are not yet clear, but all passengers have disembarked safely.
A video which appeared to show the scene of the emergency was posted by @Amptechltd on Twitter with the caption: "Lots of blue flashing lights at Manchester airport hope all is ok ...."
Fire crews were called to the plane as it landed (Image: @AmptechLtd)
Etihad Airways said in a statement: "Etihad Airways confirms that flight EY22, Manchester to Abu Dhabi returned to Manchester Airport shortly after take-off, due to a technical issue"The aircraft landed safely and passengers have disembarked. Etihad Airways apologises for the delay and inconvenience to passengers. Safety is the airline’s number one priority."They said they don’t have details of the fault as of yet