Our terror, by passengers as jet returns after ‘bang’

PASSENGERS on a flight forced to turn back to Manchester Airport following a ‘loud bang’ at the back of the plane have described their terror after smoke engulfed the cabin.

Etihad Airways flight EY22, travelling to Abu Dhabi, returned shortly after take off due to a technical fault.

Holidaymakers said they heard a ‘loud bang’ from the back of the plane just before the flight took off.

Smoke flooded the aircraft before the pilot turned back to Manchester Airport - after around 30 minutes in the air.

A spokesman for Etihad Airways said there was a technical issue with the ‘cabin pressurisation system.’

Travellers were put up in a hotel for the night and placed on a rescheduled flight on Tuesday morning.

Some passengers have criticised Etihad bosses for a ‘lack of communication’ following the incident.

Gary McVey, 47, who was travelling to meet friends in Thailand, said: “The plane was on the runway and then there was an explosion. It sounded like a gun going off. There was smoke and a powder then fell.

“We were stuck in the air for 25 to 30 minutes. It was quite a heavy landing. We were kept on the runway for about an hour.”

Gary, from Cheshire, added: “People were screaming for the plane to stop. Then when we were going into the air, I thought ‘well here we go, this is it.’ There is a woman with a five-month-old baby, she has not been offered any assistance, formula or water.”

Priyanka Mohanan, 33, from Macclesfield, said: “As soon as the flight took off, there was a bang sound. Passengers started shouting ‘stop the flight.’ I looked back and there was a lot of smoke.

“By that time, we had already taken off.

“There were no casualties or anything, but there was a lot of smoke. As soon as we landed, the fire brigade was there.

“I am visiting family in Mumbai, I was supposed to attend a wedding and have missed one day already.”

A spokesman from Etihad said: “Etihad Airways confirms that flight EY22, Manchester to Abu Dhabi on 14 January returned to Manchester Airport shortly after take-off, due to a technical issue associated with the cabin pressurisation system.

“The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked and were offered hotel accommodation including meals. Guests were updated throughout the disruption and were re-booked onto alternative flights on January 15.

“We regret any inconvenience caused. The safety of our guests and crew is always our number one priority.”