Ryanair has apologised and an investigation is underway after a man boarded a flight to Manchester at Palma airport without a ticket.

The man was detained and the flight left 90 minutes late, Ryanair confirmed.

Cabin staff became suspicious after they noticed the man waiting for a free seat, then they called the police after realising he did not have a ticket.

One passenger told the Manchester Evening News people on the flight were speculating there could be a bomb on board.

The passenger said the man had arrived on the incoming flight and had hidden close to the aircraft before boarding it.

A Ryanair spokesman said: “The crew of this flight from Palma to Manchester (4 August) requested police assistance ahead of take off after identifying a passenger that was not booked to travel on this flight.

“The passenger was removed and the crew carried out security checks again ahead of take-off, as per Ryanair procedure.

“We are working with our handling agents in Palma to ensure that this error doesn’t reoccur.

“Ryanair sincerely apologises to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused.”