The jet was examined by air crash investigators

No-one was injured and air accident investigators examined the plane, which was stuck in mud, before it was moved.

Some planes took off by early evening but Easyjet cancelled 12 departures.

Arrivals being diverted

Luton Airport's managing director Kathryn James said: "We are trying to recover the aircraft from the end of the runway and have been able to open the airfield for some limited departures.

"Some aircraft have been able to leave but we are unfortunately unable to accept any arriving services and many of our carriers have cancelled flights.

"Aircraft in the air are being diverted - some to Stansted - and passengers are being coached back to Luton to pick up their cars.

"I advise passengers on outgoing flights to get in touch with their airlines because of the cancellations. We don't want them to be disappointed," she said.

The aircraft recovery operation is making slow progress but Ms James said passengers would be kept up to date with Monday's flight arrangements.