A HOLIDAY flight that was forced to abort three attempted landings to the terror of its passengers had suffered instrument failure, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Axon Airlines, based in Athens, said the flight from Heraklion, in Crete, to Newcastle failed to land in bad weather and was diverted to Manchester because of "unreliable instrument landing system indications".

But passengers are not satisfied with the explanation and will urge the Civil Aviation Authority to investigate the incident.

Holidaymakers aboard the 737 were shocked when the pilot told them: "Sorry, I've missed the runway, I'm going to turn around and try again."

He tried again, aborted, then accelerated away from a third attempt and flew on to Manchester.

Susan Hayden, of South Shields, Tyneside, said: "He never once told us what was happening. It was just so dreadful that I began to pray."

A spokesman for Axon said that during the approach the captain noticed that the instrument landing system was "not reliable" and executed a missed approach procedure.

He said: "On a third approach and having no visual contact with the runway or even with the approach lights, he executed a missed approach and diverted to Manchester."

The spokesman said: "We would like to assure readers that Axon Airlines has the most well-trained and experienced pilots and cabin crew."

A spokesman for Newcastle Airport said all landing systems were operational, but added that the pilot had adhered to all the correct procedures.