A British Airways aircraft took off from Paris after it was searched by armed police because of a “direct threat” to the aircraft.
Flight number BA0303 was held on the ground at Charles de Gaulle airport and surrounded by police and fire vehicles at around 8am UK time on Sunday morning.
British Airways said: “The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority.
“Additional security checks are being carried out as a precaution.
“We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so.”
A BA spokeswoman confirmed the flight had taken off for Heathrow at around 11.10 am.
— James Anderson (@jsa) September 17, 2017
The airline did not state the nature of the alleged threat.
British traveller James Anderson, 20, tweeted a picture of the aircraft and security services.
He added: “Apparently an individual has made a direct threat to this aircraft.
“We will all be led off the aircraft and baggage searched in due course.”
He then posted: “Everybody’s been individually searched by armed officers and given all clear.
“Now hold luggage being searched by dogs.”
Anderson later tweeted: “Pilot: ‘Aircraft has been deemed absolutely safe. Authorities are satisfied with the search. We will continue on to London Heathrow’.”
He added: “Our pilot was an absolute credit to @British-Airways. Extremely calm and composed, handled the situation wonderfully.”
The security alert came amid heightened tensions in the UK in the wake of the failed bomb plot on a District Line train at Parsons Green in London on Friday.