Opinion

Relief as stricken passenger plane makes safe landing

We must be thankful no one was seriously hurt when a Flybe airliner was forced to make an emergency landing without nose gear at Belfast International Airport yesterday.

All credit must go to the pilots for ensuring that the plane touched down safely while the airport was also placed on full alert in preparation for the landing.

One of the 53 passengers was taken to hospital with a minor hand injury and while all ended well there is no doubt it must have been a frightening experience for those on board.

Clearly, the fact that such a major problem occurred on this aircraft is a matter of concern and it must be hoped air accident investigators are able to quickly determine what went wrong.