A Ryanair flight carrying Yorkshire holidaymakers had to make an unscheduled landing after hitting birds during take-off.

The airline said the flight was leaving Leeds Bradford Airport for Pisa, Italy, on Friday when there was a ‘minor bird strike’.

The plane was diverted to Manchester where it landed safely.

Customers were transferred to a replacement aircraft which left later that day.

Ryanair apologised for the diversion and delay.

Collisions between birds and planes are common but rarely result in serious accidents.

Ryanair flight abandoned after hitting birds on take-off from Leeds Bradford Airport