The flight for Holguin had departed just after midday but was on the ground again shortly after 3pm having made an in air U-turn.

The Telegraph reported the tip of its left wing was missing and there had been a low oil alert, forcing the pilot of the aircraft, which was believed to be carrying 322 passengers, to turn around over the Atlantic.

A Thomas Cook spokesman said the aircraft had suffered a “suspected” technical fault which was nothing to do with the wing.

He added the aircraft would have been able to fly without the missing piece.

He said: “Thomas Cook Airlines flight MT2652 to Holguin returned to Manchester as a precaution after a low oil indication, unrelated to the wing.

“Safety always comes first and the aircraft will undergo a full safety check before returning to service.

“We are sorry to our customers for the delay and will get them back on the way as soon as possible.”

Thomas Cook said it had arranged overnight accommodation for the passengers while the aircraft undergoes maintenance work.