A passenger jet was forced to make an emergency landing at L. F. Wade International Airport yesterday.

Delta Air Lines flight 606 had just left Bermuda en route for Atlanta but had to turn back due to engine problems. There were more than 80 passengers on board.

Twelve fire engines were dispatched to the scene at 1.30 p.m. but the Boeing 737 landed safely.

Fire Service Staff Officer, Lieutenant Dana Lovell, said: “We received a report of an incident which involved a Boeing 737 800 Series aircraft, in that the pilot had declared an emergency.

“We dispatched vehicles from Hamilton, Southside, and a single unit in the West End. Twelve vehicles responded, including the airport’s own units.

“At 2.12 p.m. the senior airport fire officer declared that no further assistance was required and the plane had landed safely. There were believed to be 81 passengers on board.”

A Delta Air Lines spokeswoman said last night: “Shortly after take-off there were some mechanical issues, which the pilot noticed were from one of the engines.

“He decided to come back to Bermuda and land the aircraft, which he did without incident. Everyone on board was safe, with no injuries.

“We were able to accommodate almost all of the passengers on another flight, except for a handful which will be accommodated on tomorrow’s (today’s) flight.”