RAF fighter jets escort an aircraft from Kenya into Stansted Airport after 'security alert'

12 October 2023, 16:53 | Updated: 12 October 2023, 19:43

RAF fighter jets escorted an aircraft from Kenya into Stansted Airport after a security alert.

A Kenya Airways Boeing 787 was diverted into London Stansted at just before 3.45pm, the airport confirmed.

The aircraft, which was en route from Nairobi to London Heathrow, landed safely and was escorted to a remote stand with Essex Police in attendance but nothing was found on board.

The large emergency services presence included eight crews from fire service, while the airport is open and flights are operating as normal.

The flight was intercepted by RAF fighter jets from its quick response alert force.

"RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched as a precaution this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft which was approaching the UK," the Ministry of Defence said.

"The civilian aircraft remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout, and was escorted to Stansted Airport where it landed safely. This incident is now under the control of the civilian authorities."

One woman posted on Facebook: "On flight this morning from Nairobi to London Heathrow. Forty five minutes before we were due to land, we were told that we'd been diverted to Stansted. When we arrived in Stansted, loads of police cars. 

"We’ve been surrounded by all the police. They've all got guns all dressed in black and are ID-ing us. Captain hasn’t even said anything."

Essex Police have since confirmed "nothing of concern" was found aboard the plane.

In a statement following the incident, the force said: "Officers have established there is nothing of concern on board a flight diverted to Stansted Airport.

"A Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to the airport this afternoon following reports of a security alert.

"The plane was escorted into the airport and taken to a secure area.

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

Adding: "The plane has been handed back to the airport which has remained operational throughout and is fully open."

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