A Jet2 flight was forced to divert from Leeds Bradford Airport after a “suspected bird strike” on Thursday.
The Jet2 flight to Lanzarote circled around the Yeadon airport before crossing the Pennines at 4,500ft.
It was widely reported that a bird had struck the plane's engines, according to plane spotters using scanners.
The plane was redirected to Manchester Airport, where fire crews were waiting and parked up by the runway.
Jet2 said the emergency was linked to a "suspected bird strike".
The airline said flight LS217 from Leeds Bradford to Lanzarote had to follow procedure and divert to Manchester "as a precautionary measure".
The plane landed safely, a spokesperson confirmed, and passengers were due to be transferred onto a replacement aircraft.
One FlightRadar member said: "ls217 from LBA to ACE (Lanzarote) suffered bird strike on departure. Declared 7700 emergency squawk. circled to burn off fuel and has just landed at Manchester Airport."
A squawk of 7700 is used by flight crews to show the aircraft is dealing with an emergency.
One person reported hearing a sound that was "a bit odd" when it flew over.
Nikki Gaunt, who was on the flight, said: "Landing was a bit scary but ready to try again now."
T&A reader John Dinsdale said: "The geese fly because between Yeadon Tarn and Golden Acre Park or to Roundhay Park, we used to get a few bird strikes when I worked there."
Jet2 statement in full
A spokesperson for Jet2 said: “Flight LS217 from Leeds Bradford to Lanzarote followed procedure and diverted to Manchester as a precautionary measure due to a suspected bird strike.
"After landing safely, the aircraft taxied to stand as normal and we are transferring customers onto a replacement aircraft which will fly them to enjoy their well-deserved holidays in Lanzarote.”
The flight's journey was followed by a number of plane spotters.
Other T&A readers praised the quick-thinking work of the pilots who landed the aeroplane safely.
June Lofts said: "Thank goodness landing safely and well done to pilots."
Joan Croft added: "Well done to the Captain for landing it safely."
Christine Whelan said: "Well done pilot and crew."
Sarah Goodwin said: "When I flew out on Saturday I thought there were a lot of birds around."
Donna Coniglen added: "Poor bird."
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