Passengers diverted to Iceland after 'emergency' on Canada-bound Gatwick flight

A flight from London to Canada declared a mid-air emergency because of a suspected mechanical fault and was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Iceland.

The Boeing 767 was diverted on the way to Edmonton after crew discovered a "potential mechanical issue".

It landed safely at Keflavik Airport after taking off from Gatwick airport on Saturday morning.

Passenger Taylor Anne tweeted: "Not how I envisioned my first time in Iceland, but am happy to be on the ground! @WestJet flight crew was amazing."

Autumn Hodgins posted: "Well this is unexpected. Emergency landing on @WestJet flight. Now safe in Iceland."

A spokeswoman for Canadian airline WestJet said an emergency was declared "out of an abundance of caution" and the aircraft will undergo maintenance in Iceland.

She added: "Guests will be reaccommodated as soon as possible. We are currently making arrangements for hotels and meal vouchers.

"WestJet sincerely apologises to our guests for the inconvenience and thanks them for their patience."