'Threats' flight diverted under fighter escort

A PASSENGER airliner was diverted under a fighter jet escort yesterday after a man on board began making threats.

The Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to London's Heathrow airport was redirected after the pilot reported a disruptive passenger.

Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to accompany the aircraft before it landed at Stansted airport shortly before midday.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said a British man had been arrested after it touched down. She said: "A 37-year-old man, a British national, has been arrested following an incident on board an Etihad Airways plane travelling from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow.

"The pilot reported a passenger causing disruption and making threats. The plane was diverted to Stansted airport where it landed just before midday. No-one (was] injured and the airport has been operating normally."

The Ministry of Defence said: "Typhoon aircraft were launched to escort a passenger aircraft due to an incident on board. The aircraft landed safely at Stansted airport."

An Etihad Airways spokeswoman said: "It was a question of inappropriate comments made on the flight and a disruptive passenger. There was no threat to the safety of the aircraft or the passengers."