ISLAMABAD/LONDON: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday explained that UK authorities received some vague security threat through an anonymous phone call regarding it’s Lahore-Heathrow flight PK-757 before its landing at Heathrow, ARY News reported.
“As per their standard procedures the aircraft was diverted to Stansted airport. Security clearance is underway. All passengers onboard are safe and being looked after by PIA’s local management,” said the PIA spokesman.
The airline’s spokesman added that passengers will be provided surface transport to London and efforts are underway for the return flight “to ensure least inconvenience to passengers”.
Britain scrambled fighter jets to escort the PIA aircraft to Stansted airport, Reuters news agency had reported.
“Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft,” the Ministry of Defence said.
“The aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted airport,” the ministry said.
Flight PK-757 carrying more than 200 passengers took off from Lahore and landed at Stansted about 3pm UK time. The original destination of the flight was Heathrow airport.
