Essex Police have confirmed they are attending an incident at Stansted after a flight from Kenya was diverted to the airport following a security alert.
The police said in a statement: “A flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to Stansted this afternoon (Thursday October 12).
“The airport remains open.”
Kenya Airways statement on X, formerly Twitter, said the airline received an alert at about 10.30am “of a potential security threat” on its flight KQ100, flying from Nairobi to Heathrow.
“KQ management in conjunction with the security authorities of the government of Kenya and the United Kingdom carried out a thorough risk assessment of the threat,” said the airline.
“The crew onboard were briefed, and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers on board.
“The aircraft landed safely at Stansted airport for security clearance by UK government security personnel.”
POSITION STATEMENT: KQ100 FLIGHT FROM NAIROBI TO LONDON HEATHROW 12 OCTOBER 2023 pic.twitter.com/YjcArk4SBq
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) October 12, 2023
A report by ITV said RAF fighter jets escorted the aircraft to the Essex airport after the security alert.
The broadcaster said a Kenya Airways Boeing 787 was diverted to Stansted just before 3.45pm.
“A spokesman said the plane – which was en route from Nairobi to London Heathrow – landed safely and was escorted to a remote stand,” said the report.
“Eyewitnesses have reported seeing bomb disposal teams arrive at the airport.”
A Stansted spokesman told ITV the airport was open and flights were operating as normal.
A report in the Mail said the large emergency services presence includes eight crews from the fire service.
We are currently attending an incident at #Stansted Airport.
A flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to Stansted this afternoon (Thursday 12 October).
The airport remains open. pic.twitter.com/El3EhNvIHN
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) October 12, 2023