An Easyjet flight to the west of England was forced to return to Ronaldsway after crew reported seeing smoke in the aircraft’s cockpit.

The aeroplane, an Airbus A319-100, was heading to Bristol on March 31 when the drama unfolded as the plane reached around 5,000 feet. The aircraft stopped its ascent and returned to the Isle of Man, landing safely at Ronaldsway 10 minutes later.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch has deemed it a serious incident and an investigation has been opened.

Airport and harbours director Ann Reynolds confirmed the plane had returned safely to the island as a precautionary measure but added she was not in a position to release any further details in time for the Examiner deadline.