A PLANE flying from Southampton has been forced to make an emergency landing.

The Flybe flight from Southampton Airport to George Best Belfast City Airport had to make an emergency landing after reports of smoke on board.

Ten fire appliances and emergency crews lined the runway as the flight approached last night.

Flybe chief commercial officer Paul Simmons said the aircraft had landed "perfectly safely".

"The passengers were not aware of the situation and disembarked on both sets of stairs in the normal way," he said.

Mr Simmons added that there would be an investigation.

"There was no fire and there was no smoke. It looks like it was a warning light that went wrong in some way, but there will be a full investigation."

A Flybe spokesperson said: "Flybe can confirm that the captain of the above flight with 69 passengers and four crew on board was alerted by a smoke indication from the rear baggage hold on its approach into George Best Belfast City Airport yesterday afternoon. 

"The crew took the necessary action and the aircraft landed safely.  

"Passengers evacuated the aircraft immediately by both front and rear stairs as normal and were bussed to the terminal.

"As is standard practice under such circumstances, the airport placed its emergency vehicles on standby. 

"Flybe can confirm there was no sign of smoke when the aircraft had landed. 

"The incident will be fully investigated.

"The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline's number one priority and Flybe regrets any inconvenience experienced."