Mumbai, June 27 (IANS) A bomb threat on Thursday forced Air India's Mumbai-Newark flight to land at the London's Stansted Airport.
According to the airline, the flight -- AI 191 -- from Mumbai to Newark was diverted to Stansted airport at around 9.50 a.m. (local time) following reports of a security alert.
"The plane is currently at the airport. All the 327 passengers are deplaned and served snacks and other beverages. All passengers are in airport premises," Air India Spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said.
As per London Stansted Airport's official Twitter handle, an Air India Boeing 777 aircraft was diverted to the airport and landed safely with Essex Police in attendance.
"It is parked on an isolated stand away from the normal airport operations. Our runway has now re-opened and is fully operational," the airport said in a tweet.
The aircraft was escorted by UK Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft.
"Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled earlier from @RAFConingsby to intercept a civilian aircraft; this was safely escorted to Stansted," Royal Air Force said on its official Twitter handle.
"The Typhoons were authorised to travel at supersonic speed and any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted. #securetheskies."
London's Stansted Airport is located at Stansted Mountfitchet in the district of Uttlesford in Essex.
--IANS
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