National broadcaster NHK showed video of the passengers evacuating and then gathering on the snow-covered tarmac at New Chitose Airport, which serves the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island.

At least four passengers were injured during the evacuation and taken to a hospital, Kyodo News agency said, citing rescue officials.

Kyodo said that the engine stalled after sucking in snow, and that there was an explosive sound when a pilot restarted it.

The Boeing 737 with 159 passengers and six crew members was bound for Fukuoka in southern Japan.