A passenger flight was forced to return to its departing airport just minutes after take-off, flight path maps show. A SunExpress flight from Manchester to Antalya, Turkey, made an emergency return to the UK airport on Monday following a medical issue on board.

Flight XQ593 took off at 1.33pm but was forced to halt its ascent at 18,000 feet as crew members alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) to a situation in the cabin. The Boeing 737-800 then transmitted a Squawk 7700 code - the international signal for a general emergency - reportedly due to a passenger requiring urgent medical attention.

The aircraft flew briefly in a holding pattern - a pre-determined course while awaiting clearance from ATC to land - as it prepared for an overweight landing. It was then cleared for an immediate approach.

The plane was met by emergency services when it landed, and medical personnel boarded the plane to help the affected passenger.

AirLive said a spokesperson confirmed that the passenger was safely transferred for further medical care and the standard safety procedures were completed.

The aircraft was then cleared for departure and it took off for a second time to Antalya, this time successfully making the journey.

The Express has contacted SunExpress for comment.

Squawk 7700 is the universal transponder code used by pilots to immediately alert ATC of a general emergency.

It indicates the aircraft requires priority handling, special attention, or assistance, such as for an emergency landing, due to issues like engine failure, medical emergencies, or technical faults.