Flights faced disruption at Stansted last night (Wednesday) after a security alert on an EasyJet aircraft.
Police removed three men from the Airbus after it had been moved to a secure part of the airport.
The runway was closed for a short time after officers responded to a call reporting a security concern on the ground at around 7.40pm.
The Airbus A319 had been scheduled on a flight to Amsterdam.
Essex Police tweeted: “Specialist officers boarded the plane and removed three men who have all been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax and they re currently in custody.
“Following a search of the plane we are satisfied there is nothing of concern on board.
“We’re now liaising with Stansted and EasyJet to return responsibility for the flight, and the decision regarding it onward journey, to them.
“We want to thank others passengers on board for their patience and understanding.”
An airport statement said: “A flight due to depart from London Stansted to Amsterdam is currently parked on a remote stand while police conduct extra security checks.
“The airport’s runway was closed for a short time but has now fully re-opened.”
The incident came a week after a Jet2 flight from Dalaman in Turkey to Manchester was forced to divert to Stansted after police were alerted to a potential threat on board, which later proved to be unfounded.