TERRIFIED passengers have described a strong burning smell and loss of altitude, just moments before their Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing.

Holidaymakers suffering ear pain, headaches and nose bleeds were treated by medical staff after the plane – destined for Gran Canaria – returned to Madrid.

Ryanair confirmed that a sudden loss of cabin pressure, causing oxygen masks to fall down, was the reason behind the dramatic incident.

Spain’s development minister Ana Pastor is set to meet Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary next week to discuss a recent spate of incidents involving the low-cost carrier in Spanish air space, which could result in heavy fines.

Subscribe to the Olive Press

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.