RAF jets have intercepted a Kenya Airways flight that was diverted to Stansted Airport after a “potential security threat” on board.
The Kenya Airways Boeing 787 was diverted into London Stansted just before 3.45pm. It had been due to land at Heathrow Airport from the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
It is understood two Typhoon jets took over the interception from French jets.
The Ministry of Defence said the jets were launched “as a precaution this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft which was approaching the UK”.
It said the plane “remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout, and was escorted to Stansted Airport where it landed safely.”
Essex Police were called to the airport and the aircraft landed safely.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We are currently attending an incident at Stansted Airport.
“A flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to Stansted this afternoon.”
Pictures on social media showed the plane on the tarmac at Stansted, as well as a number of emergency response vehicles.
The airport said the plane was parked at a remote stand away from the terminal.
Pic: @PlaneAudits
Kenya Airways said its headquarters had “received an alert of a potential security threat on board KQ100 operating from Nairobi to London Heathrow.”
“KQ management in conjunction with the security authorities of the government of Kenya and the United Kingdom carried out a thorough risk assessment of the threat,” it said in a statement.
“The crew onboard were briefed, and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers on board.
“The aircraft landed safely at Stansted Airport, London for security clearance by UK government security personnel.”
A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue said: “Eight crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at Stansted Airport.
“We are working with Essex Police and the airport to bring the incident to a successful conclusion.”
The incident has been “stood down” and flights are operating as normal, a spokesperson for the airport said.
Stansted is used for flights when there are security incidents because of its remote location.
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