Passengers on an easyJet flight from Birmingham were caught up in a hijack alert when they landed at Palma in Majorca on Thursday afternoon.

Armed police surrounded the Airbus A319 and pointed guns at the aircraft at Son Sant Joan airport after an alert was sent from the cockpit, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.

Around 20 Guardia and National Police officers were deployed and cordoned off the area shortly before 1pm, said the local paper.

However, the pilot allegedly explained to police through the cockpit window that the hijack alert had been activated by mistake.

Passengers were allowed off the plane, which can carry up to 162 people including six crew, after it was established there was no hijacking incident.

EasyJet told Travel Gossip: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EJU7254 from Birmingham to Palma on 26 October was met by emergency services on arrival at Palma as a precaution only.

“The safety and security of its passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”