PASSENGERS on a flight to Stansted feared they were being targeted by terrorists when their plane filled up with smoke.

White smoke filled the cabin of the EasyJet plane 15 minutes into the flight from Naples to Stansted.

One passenger said that passengers feared the flight had been tarted by terrorists, which sparked panic.

The pilot was forced to turn the flight around and make an emergency landing.

A spokesman for Easyjet said the incident happened on September 17.

"EasyJet flight EZY3364 from Naples to London Stansted returned to Naples when a smell of smoke was detected after departure from Naples," he said.

"The aircraft with 144 passengers and six cabin crew on board landed normally and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

"All passengers and crew were transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey to Stansted.

"At no time was the safety and wellbeing of the passengers compromised."