Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight from Edinburgh to New York were left ‘in tears’ after their plane appeared to catch fire just minutes after take off.
Fire crews surrounded the DAL209 flight on the runway at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Friday morning after the passenger aircraft made an emergency landing.
Video footage taken by a passenger on board appears to show flames billowing from the wing of the plane. The passenger told the Record and she spotted an unknown substance ‘leaking’ from the plane.
Passengers on board can be heard crying and frantically speaking in the background.
Julie Nisbet, told the Daily Record how a loud noise could be heard inside the aircraft before the pilot announced they were being re-routed.
But fears amongst travellers grew when the sound ‘cut out’ followed by an ‘eerie silence’.
She said: “From take off, we could see something streaming out (of the plane). I did think it was unusual. I said to my friend ‘that's odd’. But then thought nothing of it.
“In the air, the noise was horrendous. Unbearable despite noise cancelling headphones and music on. Then all the televisions cut out.
“We then saw the captain walk up and down the flight and thought this could be serious.
'"An announcement was made that we were heading to Prestwick but it was barely audible as it was so noisy.
“We started the descent and the noise then cut to nothing like the engines had gone. At this point there was an eerie silence then gasps. Then people were crying.
“I held hands with my friend as I genuinely thought we might not land. The plane erupted into claps and whistles (when it landed). I’ve never been so happy to touch the ground.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they are in attendance to support airport fire crews.
A spokesperson said: “We were requested at 11.23am on Friday, 10 February to assist our fire service partners at Prestwick Airport.
"Operations Control mobilised four appliances to the site, where firefighters remain working to support their partners."
A Delta Air Lines spokesperson said: "“Delta flight 209 from Edinburgh to New York-JFK safely diverted to Prestwick, Glasgow after a mechanical issue with the aircraft. We apologise to our customers for this inconvenience and are working to get them to their final destination as quickly as possible.”
"The plane landed safely in Prestwick and our maintenance teams are evaluating the aircraft. We’ll be in touch with any updates."
A Glasgow Prestwick spokesperson said; "We can confirm that a Delta Aircraft made an emergency landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport today, 10 February 2023. The Aircraft landed safely at approximately 11.31am, and passengers disembarked the aircraft."
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