The plane was a MyTravel Boeing 757 with 206 passengers.

It had taken off from Manchester bound for Monastir in Tunisia at 0720 GMT on Wednesday.

MyTravel says a minor fault with the rudder on the back fin of the plane was the cause of the incident.

Technical problem

A spokeswoman said: "A minor technical problem was seen by the pilot.

"As a precaution he turned the plane back to the UK."

The spokeswoman said the plane was diverted to Birmingham because of strong cross winds around Manchester.

Green Goddesses and ambulances were sent to the airport as a precaution.

MyTravel said a replacement Boeing 767 was taking the passengers to Tunisia at 1215 GMT.