Due to a potential security threat, Air Force fighter jets intercepted Kenya Airways’ plane as it was en route to London’s Heathrow Airport and diverted it to Stansted Airport. The Essex Police Force confirmed no concerns were present aboard the plane, and the airport remained open during the incident.
The Ministry of Defense launched Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters as a precaution to investigate a civilian aircraft approaching the UK. The plane remained in contact with air traffic controllers and was escorted to Stansted Airport, where it landed safely.
“The crew on board were briefed, and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers on board,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline said in a statement that its headquarters had received “an alert of a potential security threat” aboard the plane. It said the airline and Kenyan and U.K. authorities “carried out a thorough risk assessment of the threat.”
The Boeing 787 jet landed safely on Thursday afternoon and was parked at a remote stand. Stansted is 30 miles north of London and is used for flights during security incidents.
Source: Africanews