Stansted Airport: RAF jets intercept Kenya Airways flight diverted to London airport as a consequence of ‘potential safety menace’

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 simply earlier than 3.45pm. It had been as a consequence of land at Heathrow Airport from the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

It is known two Typhoon jets took over the interception from French jets.

Essex Police had been known as to the airport and the plane landed safely.

Pictures on social media confirmed an armed officer on board in addition to officers exterior the aircraft.

One lady posted on Facebook: “On flight this morning from Nairobi to London Heathrow 45 minutes before we were due to land we were told we [have] been diverted to Stansted[.] [W]hen we arrived in Stansted loads of police cars.

“We’ve been surrounded by all of the police. [They have] all acquired weapons all wearing black and are [IDing] us. Captain hasn’t even stated something.”

Other photographs confirmed the aircraft on the tarmac at Stansted, in addition to various emergency response autos.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue stated eight crews had been in attendance on the airport.

The airport stated the aircraft was parked at a distant stand away from the terminal.

The Ministry of Defence stated the jets had been launched “as a precaution this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft which was approaching the UK”.

It stated the aircraft “remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout, and was escorted to Stansted Airport where it landed safely.”

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Kenya Airways stated 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 stated in a press release.

“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 plane landed safely at Stansted Airport, London, for safety clearance by UK authorities safety personnel.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police later stated: “Officers have established there is nothing of concern on board a flight diverted to Stansted Airport.

“Officers carried out enquiries and established there was nothing of concern on board.

“The plane has been handed back to the airport which has remained operational throughout.”

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.