RAF jets intercept Kenya Airways flight diverted to Stansted Airport

Aircraft was diverted from London Heathrow after ‘potential security threat’ warning

RAF fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a plane heading towards Heathrow airport after an alert was raised over a “potential security threat”.

A large emergency response, involving police and eight fire crews, was launched at Stansted Airport, to which the Boeing 787 from Kenya was diverted.

Kenya Airways said its headquarters had “received an alert of a potential security threat on board KQ100 operating from Nairobi to London 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,” it said.

“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 Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the typhoons were launched “as a precaution this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft which was approaching the UK”.

The ministry said the plane remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout.

The plane, which was diverted just before 3.45pm, landed at Stansted and was escorted to a remote stand where Essex Police were waiting.

“The aircraft landed safely at Stansted Airport, London for security clearance by UK government security personnel,” the MoD said.

Essex Police later said officers had established there was “nothing of concern” aboard the plane.

Flights were still operating as normal but photographs on social media showed the plane on the tarmac at Stansted, alongside fire service vehicles.

Stanstead is used for flights when there are security incidents because of its distance from London.