Airport shut after jet bursts into flames

An airport spokeswoman said the starboard engine of the executive jet burst into flames as it was taxiing down the runway at about 5.30pm.

The pilot of the Cessna 525 was forced to abort the take-off and the plane overshot the runway, ending up on a grass verge. Both people onboard managed to escape unhurt.

Although airport firefighters extinguished the blaze, emergency services were called to the airport as a precaution.

The airport was closed for about two-and-a-half hours , delaying several flights

Incoming planes were forced to circle for as long as two hours before finally being given permission to land when the airport reopened

A bmi flight from Glasgow was diverted to Teesside, while a Ryanair flight from the Algarve was also diverted.

Ryanair passengers waiting to fly to Portugal were put on a bus and driven to Liverpool.

Other flights were cancelled altogether.