The aircraft, an Airbus 319, was close to touching down when the pilot abandoned the descent after failing to gain clearance from the control tower.

The squad were flown around for half an hour in stormy conditions before a successful landing was made.

Pompey defender Linvoy Primus told the club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: "We were just above the runway when the pilot suddenly pulled the plane out of the landing and back up in the sky.

"We were all shocked. No-one knew what was happening. There had been no warning that there was a problem.

"But credit to the pilot who soon told us that he had been unable to establish contact with the tower and had decided not to land.

"After circling for half an hour in lightning he then managed to get us down safely."

Portsmouth play Kano Pillars tonight before taking on Community Shield opponents Manchester United in a warm-up game tomorrow.