Jet2 flight heading from UK to Lanzarote issues emergency and forced to divert after bird strike

A plane of tourists heading to the holiday island of Lanzarote have been diverted after the aircraft hit some birds.

The flight left Leeds Bradford Airport at 10.55am today on its way to the Canary Island but was soon diverted back towards Manchester. Fire crews were reportedly seen waiting for the flight at Manchester Airport as a precaution.

It is believed that after striking the birds the plane circled the area to burn off fuel before coming back into land shortly before noon. The plane was in the air for around an hour.

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A Jet2 spokeswoman said: "Flight LS217 from Leeds Bradford to Lanzarote followed procedure and diverted to Manchester as a precautionary measure due to a suspected bird strike. After landing safely, the aircraft taxied to stand as normal and we are transferring customers onto a replacement aircraft which will fly them to enjoy their well-deserved holidays in Lanzarote."

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