A flight from Edinburgh to Newark was scrapped after a mechanical fault with the aircraft.

United Airlines flight 162 was due to depart the capital at 1.50pm and land at 4.30pm local time in Newark.

However an issue was detected with the Boeing 757 which led to the plane returning safely to the gate and later cancelled.

Those travelling on the flight were rebooked onto a future flight to Newark.

In a statement shared by a spokesperson for United Airlines: “United flight 162 from Edinburgh Airport to Newark returned safely to the gate and was cancelled due to a potential mechanical issue.

“Customers were rebooked onto the next available flight to Newark.”

The Civil Aviation Authority has offered advice for travellers seeking potential compensation who experience a severe delay or cancellation.

On their site, they said: “If a flight you’re booked on is delayed or cancelled you may be entitled to compensation.

“Under UK law, airlines are required to pay compensation to passengers when their flights are delayed or cancelled. However, you only have the right to compensation in some circumstances.

“There are two key factors:

– How severely you have been inconvenienced.

– For instance, if you have only been delayed slightly, you may not be entitled to compensation.