RAF escorts Jet2 passenger plane to Stansted after ‘security threat’

A passenger plane was escorted to Stansted airport by RAF aircraft on Wednesday night after a “potential threat” was reported onboard.

The plane - which had been travelling from Dalaman in Turkey to Manchester - was diverted to the London airport after police were informed of the incident shortly after 9pm.

Two Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were scrambled from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, to intercept the aircraft that was “causing concern”.

It was escorted to Stansted, were it was parked a distance form the airport and was met by police upon landing.

Passengers were evacuated from the plane, and the runway was closed while officers investigated.

Essex Police said on Twitter: “Shortly before 9pm, we received a report of a potential threat on board. [The plane] was escorted to Stansted, where it landed safely.

“It was parked away from the main passenger terminal. The runway was closed for a time while enquiries were carried out.

“Officers were then able to establish there was no threat on board. Onward travel was then organised for the passengers and the runway was re-opened.”

One woman told how her friend’s daughters - who were aboard flight LS922 - were left terrified by the incident.

“My friend is on this plane with her family,” she wrote on Twitter on Wednesday night. “She has two autistic little girls who are complete meltdown mode right now.”

Budget airline Jet2 apologised to customers who were affected by the incident.

On Twitter on Wenesday night, it said: “Our teams are working very hard to look after customers, and we would like to apologise to everyone onboard for any inconvenience or upset caused by this unforeseen incident.

“We understand that the authorities were alerted to a potential security threat, however this has been downgraded and the incident has been declared as over.”

A Stansted airport spokesperson added: “A Jet2.com flight from Dalaman to Manchester diverted to Stansted Airport this evening. The plane landed safely and parked on a remote stand away from the main passenger terminal with Essex Police in attendance.

“The runway was closed for a short time but has now re-opened.”