AIR accident investigators have issued a statement after a plane veered off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).

Emergency services scrambled to the airport in Yeadon on Friday afternoon when a Boeing 737 left the runway amid bad weather brought by Storm Babet.

LBA - which was closed for almost a day after the incident - confirmed the flight came in from Corfu and 195 passengers were on board.

Nobody was injured following the "runway excursion upon landing".

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation. 

A spokesperson for the AAIB said: "An investigation has been launched into an incident which occurred at LBA on Friday.

"A team of inspectors was deployed to LBA to examine the aircraft and gather evidence."

TUI said it was "fully assisting" the AAIB with its investigation. 

A spokesperson for LBA added: "We are assisting the appropriate authorities with their investigations."

Bradford man Keith Stockdill, who was on the plane at the time, spoke to the T&A on the day of the drama.

He said: "There was no announcement from the pilot - I don't think he had time.

"The landing seemed normal at first but seemed just not to stop.

"We were on plane for about an hour.

"The fire service fitted stairs to the rear and we were taken off one row at a time.

"We were on the back row so first to get off.

"It was not a nice experience."

LBA issued a statement when it reopened on Saturday after the "challenging period".

It said: "Yesterday, TUI flight BY3551 operating from Corfu to LBA suffered a runway excursion upon landing.

"All 195 passengers and crew on board disembarked safely with no reported injuries.

"We understand the significant disruption and inconvenience for passengers departing for their holidays and returning home.

"We are grateful for the patience and understanding our passengers and business partners have shown during this difficult time. 

"The LBA team and partners have worked tirelessly throughout the night in torrential conditions to recover the aircraft in order to safely reopen the runway and airport.

"It has been a huge team effort from all corners of the airport and our partners.

"We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in supporting the effort dealing with the incident, disruption and recovery of the aircraft in exceptionally difficult conditions.

"Once again, we would like to thank our passengers for their co-operation and understanding during this challenging period."