A FLIGHT to Newcastle has been diverted after a passenger became ill on board.

The Ryanair flight was travelling from Alicante to Newcastle when it was diverted and landed in Bordeaux. 

Flight FR4079 was scheduled to arrive at Newcastle Airport at 10.30am on Thursday morning when it squawked 7700, which is general emergency alert.

According to flight tracker websites, the plane then turned around to head towards Bordeaux airport which was close by.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: "This flight from Alicante to Newcastle (6 June) diverted to Bordeaux after a customer became ill on board. The crew called ahead to request medical assistance, the aircraft landed normally and the customer was met by medics for further treatment.

"The aircraft will depart for Newcastle shortly.  Ryanair apologises to all customers for this short delay.”