airport bosses have promised a review of an "unacceptable" incident that left passengers stuck on board a grounded aircraft for about eight hours.

The flight finally left Newcastle Airport yesterday morning - and even then it was an hour late.

Police were called to calm about 200 furious passengers stranded onboard the grounded plane at Newcastle International Airport, on Sunday afternoon. The flight was eventually cancelled.

The Flyjet plane, bound for the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh, was due to take off at noon, but it missed its slot due to a technical problem.

When a head count of passengers was later carried out, one of them was thought to be missing.

As a result, passengers had to leave the plane where it was discovered that all passengers were present.

A member of the air crew felt ill when passengers re-boarded the plane and the flight was later cancelled.

Kevin Wiseman said his son and his son's fiancee had been stranded on board and had been treated quite badly.

He said: "I have flown with Flyjet myself, out to Egypt, and I've found them very good.

"But I think the information they have given my son and his fiancee has been absolutely abysmal."

Passenger Layla Nugent said: "The crew wouldn't let anyone off and we were told if we tried to leave the plane, we would be arrested for going on the tarmac. All we were offered was half a glass of water."

Hotel accommodation was arranged for passengers in Newcastle.

An airport spokesman said: "Flight FJE620 was scheduled to depart at noon, but was beset by a number of technical and operational problems, leading to lengthy delays and its eventual cancellation. We were very disappointed to learn of the experience suffered by passengers booked on this flight, which was unacceptable.

"We fully understand the anger and frustration felt by those who have had their holiday plans disrupted.

"Managers at Newcastle International Airport will be speaking to the airline and the handling agent, Servisair, in order to conduct a full review of the circumstances leading up to yesterday's cancellation and the way in which our customers were treated."