KQ plane cleared in UK after diversion over 'security threat'

By Peter Ochieng 

A Kenya Airways (KQ) plane which was intercepted and diverted in London, United Kingdom was later Thursday cleared to proceed with its journey.

The flight was reportedly intercepted by the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF) on Thursday afternoon, over issues bordering on security threat.

The Boeing 787-8 dreamliner which was en route to London's Heathrow Airport, was diverted to Stansted Airport.

KQ in a statement later on said the security threat that caused the diversion was of 'low credibility.'

"We received a security alert on the 12th Oct 2023 at approximately 10:30am, from the UK Security agencies. This threat has since been established to have low credibility."

"The aircraft landed safely at London Stansted Airport, the incident has been stood down and the airport is open and is operating as normal. The security agencies cleared the aircraft and will be departing for London Heathrow to resume normal operations."

"We sincerely regret the inconvenience to our passengers and crew and would like to thank them for their patience. We will provide any necessary counseling support and will communicate directly to our passengers on how they receive it," KQ added.

On Monday this week, a medical emergency forced a Kenya Airways (KQ) London bound plane to make a tournaround, in order for the passenger to recieve medical attention.

The incident involved a KQ flight from Nairobi to London, minutes past 2pm.

KQ on Tuesday said the flight, 100KQ was destined for Heathrow Airport.

“The crew on board assisted by two medical doctors and a nurse provided medical assistance to the passenger as the captain declared a medical emergency with air traffic control,” said the statement.

“The aircraft landed safely at 14:47 hours and paramedics who were already on the ground to receive the aircraft immediately took the passenger to hospital for further medical attention."

However, the airline did not disclose the name, age and nationality of the passenger in question, and the time the flight resumed.