A Jet2 flight heading to a British tourist hotspot in Spain has reportedly declared a mid-air emergency near Manchester. The flight from Liverpool to Mallorca reportedly declared an emergency at 12,875ft near the English city, aviation alert service Squawk reports.

It said the Boeing 737-800 issued a 7700 alert - the international code for a general emergency. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed the plane changed direction at 8am as it travelled over Shrewsbury before heading back towards Liverpool.

The flight then diverted to Manchester, where it landed safely before 9.45am.

A passenger on board the flight told the Liverpool Echo that the plane began "vibrating" after take off, and shortly after, the captain informed everyone of the issue.

She told the outlet: "As soon as the plane took off there was a sudden vibration and more noise, but nothing that alarmed passengers.

"Around 15 minutes into the flight the captain said there was an issue. Everyone remained calm and the stewards were professional. The captain reassured everyone.

"The plane landed safely at Manchester airport and we are expecting to get on another flight to resume our journey around 11.25am."

At this stage, it is unclear why the aircraft squawked 7700, but the code alerts air traffic controllers on the ground that the flight needs immediate priority, clearance, and assistance.

Pilots input 7700 for engine failures, severe electrical or mechanical malfunctions, smoke or fire, or critical passenger medical emergencies.

Air traffic controllers immediately clear the surrounding airspace to give the distressed aircraft priority handling and ready emergency services on the ground.

Jet2 has been contacted for comment.

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