Birmingham Airport runway reopen after Boeing 737's emergency landing

Flights in and out of Birmingham were delayed and diverted on Saturday after a plane was forced to make an emergency landing.

Norwegian flight D86241 from Reykjavik was bound for Madrid but came in to land at Birmingham after suffering a hydraulic fault.

The Boeing 737 left Iceland at 9.35am with 152 people on board and was due to land in Spain at 3.50pm.

However it was diverted towards Birmingham and circled around south Staffordshire and Walsall several times before landing in Birmingham at 1.37pm.

Flight tracking data shows how the plane circled around south Staffordshire before landing

The plane was met by fire engines and sprayed with water when it touched down on the airport's only runway, which was covered in foam and closed as a result.

The drama caused major disruption for holidaymakers, with no flights allowed in or out of the airport until the runway reopened at 4.30pm.

Some travellers were stranded in the airport and vented their anger on Twitter at the lack of provision.

TUI came in for particular criticism from passengers faced with lengthy queues and no rep to talk to.

The runway had to be inspected once the Norwegian aircraft was removed and delays continued long into the evening.

The airport encouraged passengers to contact their airline for the latest information.

Passengers and crew from the stricken plane were taken into the terminal following the emergency landing.

Birmingham Airport said the plane landed safely and that its fire service was dispatched as a 'precautionary measure'. It apologised for the disruption but said passenger safety was its priority.

The airport said in a statement: "Birmingham Airport can confirm that the D86241 landed safely with 152 crew and passengers on board.

"Birmingham Airport’s fire service is in attendance as a precautionary measure.If you are travelling today please check the arrivals/departures page on Birmingham Airport website.

"Birmingham Airport’s fire service is in attendance as a precautionary measure. The D86241 from Reykjavik to Madrid was diverted in to Birmingham Airport due to a hydraulic issue.

"Passengers and crew have been taken to the terminal where they are being assisted by Birmingham Airport."