British Police blames 'disruptive passenger' for PIA plane diversion

The British Police on Tuesday informed that a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger aircraft was intercepted and diverted to Stansted Airport northeast of London because of reports of a disruptive passenger.

"This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter. The plane is currently at the airport and officers are making enquiries," Essex Police was quoted as saying by The Dawn.

The Ministry of Defence earlier quoted Typhoon jets had intercepted the aircraft, en route to London's Heathrow Airport and escorted it to Stansted.

Flight tracking websites said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-757 from Lahore to Heathrow had been diverted to Stansted.

Earlier reports said that the PIA flight was escorted to Stansted Airport by Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft after reports of a 'suspicious object' on the flight.

A spokesperson for Stansted Airport said the aircraft is likely to continue its journey onwards to Heathrow airport.

PIA spokesperson Daniyal Gilani has confirmed the incident and issued a statement - UK authorities received some vague security threat through an anonymous phone call regarding PIA's Lahore-Heathrow flight PK-757 before its landing at Heathrow, after which, as per their standard procedures the aircraft was diverted to Stansted airport.

"Security clearance is underway and all passengers onboard are safe and being looked after by PIA's local management. Passengers will be provided surface transport to London. For the return flight efforts are underway to ensure least inconvenience to passengers."

Flight PK-757, carrying more than 200 passengers, took off from Lahore and landed at Stansted about 3 p.m. UK time. The original destination of the flight was Heathrow Airport.