The VLM flight from London City, with 20 passengers and four crew on board, came into land in high winds at 10.10am but ended up with its port wheels and nose wheel on the grass.

Passengers, who were unhurt in the incident, were taken by bus to the safety of the terminal. The aircraft was not damaged.

Airport director Ann Reynolds said: 'The aircraft came off the edge of the runway at the end of its landing run. The recovery of the aircraft was made more difficult because the ground is fairly soft.

'The 20 passengers were all unharmed.'

A spokesman for VLM said the aircraft had encountered a 'heavy gust of wind' as it came into land.

He said: 'We can confirm that flight VG662 from London City encountered a very heavy gust of wind whilst landing at the Isle of Man today at 10.10am, causing the aircraft to travel slightly off the side of the runway before stopping.

'There was no damage to the aircraft, and no injuries to passengers or crew, who were able to disembark normally from the aircraft onto the runway using one of the aircraft doors.

'Passengers were taken to the terminal building, and have subsequently departed from the airport. We are liaising closely with the airport authorities, and the aircraft will shortly be towed away from the runway area. It will only be cleared for flights once it has been given a rigorous inspection by VLM Airlines engineering personnel.'

The airport's own fire appliances were put on standby.