Fire crews surround Emirates plane on runway at Manchester Airport after 'loud bang'

An Emirates plane was surrounded by fire crews at Manchester Airport on Wednesday (November 13) after passengers on board heard a 'loud bang'.

The EK22 flight, to Dubai, carrying around 600 passengers, never left the runway following a technical fault. The fault, understood to have been with the engine, occurred moments before take off, at around 10am.

Passengers on board claimed they heard a 'loud bang' before the aircraft came to a stop and was met by airport fire engines on the runway. Manchester Airport confirmed that fire crews attending is standard procedure, reports M.E.N.

READ MORE: Man rescued from bridge by police but returned moments later and died

READ MORE: Teenagers arrested after weapons sold on social media

It's understood passengers remained seated on the aircraft, after it had been taxied back to the stand, for around three hours while decisions were made on whether repairs could be carried out or, if another plane, a double-decker A380, was available.

Passengers were later turfed off the plane, causing queues as they were processed through passport control, before being offered a space on alternative Emirates flights at various airports across the UK. The airline has since apologised to passengers affected.

An Emirates spokesperson said: “Emirates can confirm flight EK22 from Manchester to Dubai on 13 November was cancelled due to a technical fault.

"Affected passengers were accommodated on other Emirates flights and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”