An Emirates flight to Malta was briefly diverted to Tunis today after a light aircraft developed a fault and blocked the runway.

The flight from Dubai was on the approach to Malta when it changed direction and started to gain height again.

But it turned back to its original course and landed as planned after the light aircraft was removed.

People on board the Emirates aircraft said there had been something of a panic on board the Emirates aircraft when then noticed that the aircraft had changed direction and screens showed the destination as being Tunisia.

The situation, however, was quickly resolved.

In a statement, Emirates said: “Emirates flight EK 745 from Dubai to Malta on 29th October aborted landing due to a malfunctioning light aircraft which had not cleared the runway.

"The runway was closed for 10 minutes until the aircraft was removed. As a standard procedure EK 745 circled for re-approach and safely landed. Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.”