Flight EK19 declares midair emergency heading to UK from the Emirates

The Emirates flight  left Dubai this afternoon and made it as far as Turkey before diverting to Cyprus.

Pilots were forced to divert a plane travelling to the UK after declaring a mid air emergency.

The Emirates flight EK19 left Dubai at 2.45pm and made it as far as Turkey before diverting to Cyprus where it landed at Larnaca airport.

It is understood that medics were waiting at the gate to treat a passenger who had been taken ill.

The flight was expected to re-depart from Larnaca at 7.20pm, Manchester Evening News reports .

The diversion will also affect passengers travelling on the return EK20 flight from Manchester to Dubai.

It had been scheduled to leave at 9.15pm but will now depart at 11.30pm.

A spokesperson for Emirates said: “Emirates flight EK19 from Dubai to Manchester has been diverted to Larnaca due to a passenger medical emergency.

“Arrangements have been made for the passenger to receive medical attention on arrival.

“The aircraft will then continue to Manchester.

“The return flight EK20 from Manchester to Dubai today will be delayed as a result."

“Passengers travelling on EK20 are advised to check flight status," the spokesman continued.

"Emirates apologises for any inconvenience. The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance.”