PASSENGERS were shocked to see smoke billowing from their plane when they landed at Manchester Airport.

A flight from Mahon caught fire after a ‘technical fault’, the airline has confirmed.

Passengers said ‘it was a bit worrying’ but said staff were very reassuring and handled the incident professionally.

Everyone disembarked safely.

The alarm was raised at around 3.45pm on Saturday, July 30, after passengers reported seeing smoke coming from the right side of the plane.

A Tui spokesman said: “We can confirm flight TOM2609 from Mahon to Manchester, which was operated by an airline partner, experienced a technical fault on arrival to the stand and was met by the fire service.

“We are in contact with the airline to get information about the incident and to confirm when the aircraft can return to service.

“The safety of our passengers and crews on partner airlines always remains our highest priority. The aircraft was completely safe to land, and all passengers have been disembarked.

“We understand how unsettling it can be when an aircraft is met by emergency services so we will continue to offer our full support.

“We’d like to apologise to all customers for the inconvenience and thank them for their patience and understanding at this time.”

The plane’s engine caught fire after landing., A spokesman for Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At around 4pm on Saturday, July 30, firefighters were called to Manchester Airport where a plane’s engine was on fire after landing.

“Manchester Airport’s fire service extinguished the fire.

“Two fire engines from Wythenshawe Fire Station also attended the scene and remained there for half an hour until an engineer confirmed the plane was safe.”