A British Airways aircraft was forced to abort its flight on Monday (9 September) after a petrol-powered generator was discovered under an economy class seat.

The generator was discovered after cabin crew members smelt petrol in the passenger cabin. The smell was traced to the generator, which belonged to two Irish men. The men, both musicians, reportedly use the generator to power their instruments.

The Boeing 737 - which was travelling on a scheduled flight from Naples, Italy to London, UK, with 152 passengers and crew members on board - was forced to land in Rome, Italy.

Authorities removed the two men from the flight for questioning. The remaining passengers continued their journey on alternative flights

British Airways has launched a full investigation into the incident, and is demanding to know why Naples authorities allowed the generator to pass through security checks, reported PA News.