A PLANE carrying holiday-makers from the North-East was forced to make an emergency diversion after a pilot collapsed in the cockpit.

A crew member on board the flight between Newcastle and Larnaca in Cyprus took ill 16 minutes into the journey and was diverted to Sofia in Bulgaria so he could be treated.

One passenger on the Thomson Holiday Flight 1714 saw the man “lying prostrate on the floor” after he keeled over during the journey on Sunday.

It is understood fear spread among passengers on the Boeing 737-800 as members of cabin crew were seen rushing to collect oxygen cylinders to take into the cockpit.

One passenger reportedly told The Sun newspaper: “It was terrifying. I glimpsed inside the cockpit door.

“There was coffee all over the floor and it looked like the guy had collapsed.

“He was lying prostrate on the floor. It’s not what you want to see happening at the front of the plane.”

Passengers were put up in a hotel before they could board another scheduled service from Bulgaria to Cyprus.

A spokesman for Thomson said: “We can confirm that as a result of one of our pilots feeling unwell, the decision was taken to divert the Newcastle to Larnaca, Cyprus flight.

“A priority landing was requested at Sofia, Bulgaria which was the closest airport and the pilot was taken to a nearby hospital to be assessed.

“We would like to thank all of our customers for their patience.

“The welfare of all customers and crew travelling with us is our priority at all times.”