LONDON: A passenger aircraft which was intercepted and escorted by fighter jets to Stansted airport northeast of London was diverted because of reports of a disruptive passenger, British police said on Tuesday.
“This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter,” Essex Police said in a statement. “The plane is currently at the airport and officers are making enquiries.”
The Ministry of Defence had earlier said Typhoon jets had intercepted the aircraft, which had been en route to London’s Heathrow Airport, and escorted it to Stansted.
Flight tracking websites said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK757 from Lahore to Heathrow had been diverted to Stansted. Earlier reports said that the PIA flight was escorted to Stansted airport by Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft after reports of a ‘suspicious object’ on the flight.
“Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft,” the Ministry of Defence had said.
“The aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted airport,” the UK ministry said.
Meanwhile, PIA Spokesperson Daniyal Gilani confirmed the incident and issued a statement in this regard saying, “UK authorities received some vague security threat through an anonymous phone call regarding PIA’s Lahore-Heathrow flight PK-757 before its landing at Heathrow, after which, as per their standard procedures the aircraft was diverted to Stansted airport.”
He added that security clearance is underway and all passengers onboard are safe and being looked after by PIA’s local management.
“Passengers will be provided surface transport to London. For the return flight efforts are underway to ensure least inconvenience to passengers,” added the spokesperson. A spokesman for Essex Police said officers were at the scene and added that the incident was not being treated as a hijack or terrorist situation, reported The Telegraph.
