HOLIDAYMAKERS have described how they were gripped with fear as their pilot failed three times to land their jet, before flying to another airport.

Passengers aboard the 737 flying into Newcastle Airport from Crete at the weekend were shocked when the pilot told them: "Sorry, I've missed the runway, I'm going to turn around and try again."

He tried again but pulled out of his descent before landing. On a third approach he suddenly accelerated and flew on to Manchester.

Susan Hayden, of South Shields, said: "It was just so dreadful that I began to pray. We could see the landing lights then we went up like a rocket. We were pinned back in our seats.

"After about ten minutes he said we were going to divert to Manchester, but he didn't say why. Even the cabin crew were sitting with their heads in their hands. It was terrifying."

After finally landing at Manchester, they had to wait a further two hours before they were able to disembark and catch the train home.

A Newcastle Airport spokeswoman said last night the pilot had asked to be diverted, but had not given an explanation.

She said: "The Boeing was returning from Heraklion. Visibility was low, but all instrument landing systems were fully operational. Every assistance was given to Axon."

A spokesman for the airline said the jet had an operational instrumental landing system and the crew were fully trained to use it. But, he added: "The pilot was new. He was from a different company."

A Manchester Airport spokesman could not comment on the specific flight, but added that an unscheduled landing would not have had the necessary handling agent to help passengers disembark. "One would have had to be found and this could have taken some time."