A flight From Manchester to Istanbul had just landed last night when terrorists launched an attack on the city’s main airport.

The suspected ISIS attack was carried out by bombers who detonated explosive vests in the arrivals hall of Ataturk airport - Europe’s third biggest.

It has left 41 people dead and as many as 150 injured.

It is understood passengers from Manchester are safe after flight TK1996 was held on the tarmac when it arrived shortly before 10pm, at the same time as the attack.

Family and friends took to Twitter to check on their loved ones. Many struggled with poor phone reception.

Later, social media showed friends and relatives being assured passengers from Manchester had left the airport - but some appeared unable to retrieve baggage.

The return flight did leave Istanbul, landing in Manchester at 10.38pm but the final leg to Ataturk was then cancelled last night.

Delayed passengers left instead this afternoon at 12.30pm on an extra flight, as well as the three regular daily services.

The attackers had been trying to pass through X-ray machines when Turkish security officials stopped them.

They began shooting AK-47 rifles and officers returned fire.

Ambulances wait outside Turkey's largest airport, Istanbul Ataturk

A gunman blew himself up in a coordinated attack with two other suspects.

The airline is continuing to operate its three daily flights, although a flight this morning due into Manchester at 9.40am was delayed to 11.05am.

The outbound flight has been moved from 10.15am to 1pm.

The next flight is due in at 3.30pm, with the outbound at 4.30pm. The final inbound flight is at 10.45pm, with the night flight taking off at 11.40pm.

Turkish Airlines has been contacted for further comment, but a statement said: “Following the incident on June 28 at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport, flight operations have been restarted.”

It advised passengers check flight information at www.turkishairlines.com or call 0161 4440849.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising travellers to Istanbul to follow the advice of local security forces and speak to airlines for updated travel information.

They are also advising against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.

All but essential travel to Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari are also advised against.

A statement adds: “Over 2,500,000 British nationals visit Turkey every year. It’s generally safe to travel but you should take additional safety precautions. You should be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with tourists.”