A flight from the island was met by fire crews at Gatwick after two loud bangs were heard shortly after take-off.

John Galloway was among the 105 passengers on board the 9.05pm easyJet flight to Gatwick on Sunday when the incident happened.

Just after take-off, he saw a flash of light from the right hand side of the plane.

It was initially thought that a bird strike was responsible for the loud bang but the aircraft’s diagnostic system later identified a problem with a bleed valve in one of the Airbus’s engines.

Mr Galloway, a lawyer from London who had been visiting family in Port Erin at the weekend, said: ’We departed ahead of schedule but a few moments after take-off some passengers reported two loud bangs and I could see a flash of light from the right hand side.

’Following a few abrupt turns, the captain announced a suspected bird strike at 600 feet altitude just away from the end of the runway.’

Passengers were kept in their seats as the pilots conducted tests of the engine systems and climbed to 31,000 feet.

Mr Galloway said: ’On arrival in to Gatwick, 20 minutes ahead of schedule, airport fire crews met the Airbus aircraft and we were held at the very end of the runway for close inspection.

’The captain swiftly announced that the aircraft diagnostic system, which communicates with the ground technical team, had reported a bleed valve issue in engine number two, and not the bird strike that was initially suspected.’

An easyJet spokesman said: ’As a precautionary measure the fire brigade met the flight upon arrival at Gatwick due to a technical issue.

’At no point was the safety of the passengers and crew compromised. The aircraft taxied to stand and passengers disembarked normally.

’The safety of passengers and crew is easyJet’s top priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.’

Airport director Ann Reynolds said: ’I can confirm there was an issue on departure. However, the aircraft was operating normally and it continued down to Gatwick where it landed safely.’