The problem was identified as a fault with the aircrafts’s landing gear, which led the concerned flight crew to circle Lough Neagh in an attempt to use up fuel.
The flight from Tenerife set off on Tuesday morning from the Spanish holiday island but developed problems which led to the Belfast airport to be put on “full emergency standby” – involving fire and rescue services and ambulances prepared to tackle the potential crisis.
“A replacement aircraft is on its way and we expect to get everyone off on their holidays to Tenerife this afternoon.” a spokeman for the company told the Belfast Telegraph.
