A STUDENT caught up in the Istanbul airport attacks has spoken of her terror.

Heather Nelson flew into Ataturk airport half an hour after 41 people were killed by terrorists who opened fire then blew themselves up.

The 20-year-old's flight from Manchester had been delayed for about 30 minutes and she feared had it been on time she could have been caught up in the incident.

The Leeds University student, from Over Hulton, said: “I feel very lucky. That 30 minute delay could have saved my life.

“I am so grateful. I dread to think what could have happened if the flight had not been delayed.”

Heather and the other travellers were oblivious to the terror inside the terminal building when they landed.

She said: “The bus turned around and we were told there had been a minor attack inside the airport and we had to get back on the plane. It was only when I was back on the plane and I was using data to access the BBC News app I realised what had happened and that it was very serious. I can understand that they didn’t want to panic anyone.”

After three hours, the passengers were able to get off the flight and enter the building which had become a scene of devastation.

Heather said: “People were panicked, there was glass everywhere, you could see the crime scene. I didn’t see anything too graphic because they had blocked and covered part of the airport off, but it was like something out of movie. We were stood on the glass, the window had been shattered.

“There was a person in a yellow suit cleaning and I saw black bin bags. Had the flight not been delayed I could have been in the international queue when it all happened. That was just next to domestic arrivals when the attack happened.”

Heather was planning to travel to Manila in the Philippines where she will meet a friend.

“I did feel shook up when I got to the hotel, I am so grateful and lucky I have been put up in a hotel.

“Flights are full but we have been told to go to the airport. With so many people there you are worried if it might happen again. There is the fear factor about going back to the airport.

“The first thing I did was phone home, to tell my family I was fine. My sister picked me up and she was in tears.”