A Kenya Airways flight was intercepted by United Kingdom’s security agencies following a security threat.
In a statement on Thursday, October 12, Kenya airways confirmed that the plane carrying passengers from Nairobi destined to the Heathrow airport in London was forced to land in Stansted Airport.
According to the statement, Kenya Airways received an alert of a potential security threat from agencies in the UK at around 1030 hours.
However, the plane landed safely allowing the UK security agencies to carry out a risk assessment.
Further, the national carrier assured the public that the crew and passengers were safe emphasizing that the security of passengers is always a priority.
“KQ management in conjunction with authorities from the government of Kenya and the United Kingdom carried out a thorough assessment of the threat,’ the statement read in part.
According to the spokesperson of Stansted Airport, the Boeing 787 was escorted to an isolated parking space in the airport.
Also Read: KCAA Clears Air on Near-Death KQ Flight From London to Nairobi
At the time, officers from the local police department escorted the plane with all necessary precautions.
Speaking to international media, KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka confirmed that authorities feared that the flight was carrying suspicious people hence the turn of events.
He however dispelled reports that security agencies were checking to investigate the presence of a bomb.
KQ Near-disaster incident
In September, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority dismissed reports of a near-disaster incident involving a KQ flight from London, Heathrow.
Also Read: Jubilation as JKIA Welcomes Another Airline
KCAA said they were alive to the situation involving a Kenya Airways B787 Dreamliner aircraft.
“The go-around by KQA101 was a normal procedure when the runway in use is not available for landing”.
The statement added, “The Authority endeavors to ensure the safety and security of the flying public, property, and operations remain paramount.”
