PASSENGERS were left terrified when their aircraft was involved in a mid-air drama as it prepared to land at Glasgow Airport.

There were 163 travellers on the British Airways flight when the pilot told them there was a "technical issue".

After telling them to listen carefully, he added: "The life you save may be your own."

The passengers were flying home to Glasgow from Heathrow Airport in London when the frightening experience happened yesterday morning.

Flight BA1476 was just minutes away from landing, when the pilot warned them to prepare for a "difficult landing".

One passenger, who did not wish to be named, said: "The pilot came on and made an announcement, saying there was a technical issue with the aircraft.

"He told us we would have to adopt the brace position and use the emergency doors when we land.

"We were also told that once we had landed, to get away from the aircraft, as soon as possible. Then, the pilot said 'The life you save may be your own'.

"A lot of passengers were clearly anxious about what was going to happen.

"I kept thinking I wish I could see the ground, then at least I would be able to tell how high up we were.

"People were very grateful we landed safely and could use the stairs to leave the plane – not emergency chutes.

"There was a lot of cheering and clapping when we finally landed."

Three fire engines and other emergency vehicles were scrambled to meet the plane.

The plane, which had been due to land at 11.15am, touched down at around 11.50am and the shaken passengers were able to make their way home.

A British Airways spokeswoman said: "When a technical issue arose on the BA1476 from Heathrow to Glasgow, the captain of the aircraft gave the customers an additional safety briefing as a precaution in the event of a difficult landing.

"The aircraft landed safely with no issues and customers disembarked normally."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk