The road was shut in both directions just before junction 23a on Saturday evening.

Police reopened the motorway around 20 minutes later, the Nottingham Post reports.

Highways England said the incident passed with the aircraft landing safely with 153 people onboard.

A spokesperson for East Midlands airport told the Nottingham Post that the emergency services had been called as a precaution by the aircraft’s pilot after a problem with the plane’s fuel box.

“The plane landed at 9.45pm. Fire services were on standby to ensure it was nothing serious. It was a standard procedure.

“The fire service made a quick check of the aircraft before it was able to taxi to the stand, and passengers were allowed to disembark in the normal way.

“There was no impact on other aircraft or services as a result of the incident,” the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: "Flight LS670 from Gran Canaria called for assistance on approach into East

Midlands airport as a precautionary measure, due to a fault indication.

"The aircraft landed safely and then taxied to the gate after inspection."

A Leicestershire police spokesperson said: “At 9.07pm we were informed of an aircraft emergency with a plane inbound to East Midlands airport.

“There were 153 people onboard. The motorway was closed to allow the aircraft a clear flight path.”