Malta International Airport was on full alert yesterday morning when an Airbus 320 with 185 people on board made an emergency landing after a technical problem developed in one of its two engines, a spokesman for MIA said.

The MyTravel Airways jet on chartered flight MYT 453 from Gatwick Airport landed safely on one engine.

The aircraft's captain informed air traffic controllers just minutes away from Malta that something was wrong with one of his jet's engines, the spokesman said.

The captain subsequently decided to switch off the engine - the Airbus can fly perfectly well on one.

A total of 185 persons, including a crew of nine, who were mainly British tourists, were on the flight.

The spokesman said MIA took all emergency measures as requested and the fire services and ambulances were on standby in minutes.

Their services were however not required as the aircraft landed safely on runway 32 at 11.05 a.m. The aircraft was grounded, and subsequently towed to Park 8.

Sources said that engineers from the company arrived on board another MyTravel Airways flight in the afternoon to inspect the jet.

Passengers scheduled to fly out on the same aircraft at 12.05 p.m. were delayed for several hours until a Boeing 757 was sent over for them.

MyTravel Airways is a frequent operator to Malta, Tuesday being its busiest day.

MyTravel Group plc is a major player in the world's most active markets for air-inclusive holidays and other leisure travel services.

It operates tours for a wide range of customers to destinations worldwide; has 49 aircraft and four cruise ships; and a focused portfolio of hotels and other resort properties.

The spokesman described yesterday's incident as rare.

MIA has a category 9 certificate from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which means that it is fully equipped to cope with emergencies.