Pilots battled to land their planes at Birmingham Airport during strong Storm Pia winds.

Crews had been diverted from northern England airports as crosswinds were even stronger and the Midlands airport was a 'safer' alternative.

Despite this, several planes had to abort their approach and when they finally came to land, many rocked from side-to-side and dipped violently towards the ground during the 50mph winds at Birmingham’s BHX Airport on Thursday 21 December.

Several light aircraft powered by small jet engines or propellers got the brunt of the turbulance however larger passenger jets were also affected.

Strong winds have hit much of the United Kingdom in the latest named storm of the year, Manchester Airport has seen huge queues as the terminals are badly affected by diverted flights.