RAF fighter jets escort Jet2 passenger plane to Stansted Airport after ‘bomb threat’

Two RAF Typhoon fighter jets have escorted a Jet2 passenger plane to Stansted Airport after a suspected bomb threat.

The plane had departed Dalaman, Turkey, and was bound for Manchester – but had to be diverted to Stansted.

Two fighter jets had been scrambled from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, flight tracking websites show.

The jets escorted the A321 plane until it landed at the airport outside London at about 9.20pm local time.

Armed police have been outside the aircraft while it was parked at a remote stand, pictures passengers have posted on social media show.

Police said that it was later found that there was “no threat on board”.

Departures from the airport were halted for a period of time before the runway was reopened, according to reports.

A passenger on flight LS922 said that, after the plane landed, they remained on the aircraft for hours with “no news”.

Jet2 confirmed the incident. The airline tweeted: “We can confirm that flight LS922 DLM to MAN diverted to London Stansted this evening under the direction of UK Air Traffic Control.

“The aircraft has landed safely & has taxied to a remote stand. We are currently liaising with London Stansted Airport & the relevant authorities.”

Essex Police said: “Shortly before 9pm, we received a report of a potential threat on board the flight. It was escorted to Stansted Airport, where it landed safely and was parked away from the main passenger terminal.

“The runway was closed for a short 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.”

Stansted Airport said: “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.”