The plane departed from Norwich Airport at around 8.40am on Tuesday but was diverted to East Midlands Airport soon after take off after the captain declared an emergency.

Louise Walpole, who was heading to the Mediterranean island for a holiday with her partner, was seated right next to the engine which the bird is understood to have hit.

A fire engine was called to the runway. (Image: Supplied)

The 54-year-old company director, who runs the charity Kindness Company, said a burning smell filled the cabin after the impact and she put on her sunglasses and shed a tear as the drama unfolded.

"Within a........

© Norwich Evening News