New York, July 15 : An Air India flight, bound for Mumbai, was forced to return to New Jersey and make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after its engine was reported to have caught fire.

Officials earlier said that a bird could have been the reason behind the fire, but on further investigation, it was proved to be incorrect.

After take off from New Jersey, the pilot reported flames coming out of the engine from the left side of the aircraft. The plane had to return to the airport half an hour after takeoff.

The pilot had also requested for an ambulance at the airport, but there were no injuries. He added that the aircraft had blown tires resulting from the brakes overheating.

The airport had been functioning normally till Sunday evening. (ANI)