RAF jets have intercepted a Kenya Airways flight that was diverted to Stansted Airport after a “potential safety menace” on board.
The Kenya Airways Boeing 787 was diverted into London Stansted simply earlier than 3.45pm. It had been as a consequence of land at Heathrow Airport from the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
It’s understood two Hurricane jets took over the interception from French jets.
The Ministry of Defence stated the jets have been launched “as a precaution this afternoon to research a civilian plane which was approaching the UK”.
It stated the aircraft “remained involved with air site visitors controllers all through, and was escorted to Stansted Airport the place it landed safely.”
Essex Police have been known as to the airport and the plane landed safely.
A spokesperson for the drive stated: “We’re at the moment attending an incident at Stansted Airport.
“A flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to Stansted this afternoon.”
Photos on social media confirmed the aircraft on the tarmac at Stansted, in addition to various emergency response automobiles.
The airport stated the aircraft was parked at a distant stand away from the terminal.
Pic: @PlaneAudits
Kenya Airways stated its headquarters had “acquired an alert of a possible safety menace on board KQ100 working from Nairobi to London Heathrow.”
“KQ administration along side the safety authorities of the federal government of Kenya and the UK carried out a radical threat evaluation of the menace,” it stated in a press release.
“The crew onboard have been briefed, and all security and safety precautions have been taken to make sure the security and safety of our crew and passengers on board.
“The plane landed safely at Stansted Airport, London for safety clearance by UK authorities safety personnel.”
A spokesperson for Essex County Hearth and Rescue stated: “Eight crews from Essex County Hearth and Rescue Service are in attendance at Stansted Airport.
“We’re working with Essex Police and the airport to carry the incident to a profitable conclusion.”
The incident has been “stood down” and flights are working as regular, a spokesperson for the airport stated.
Stansted is used for flights when there are safety incidents due to its distant location.
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