Heathrow arrivals are diverted to other airports as RAF plane demands ‘unplanned’ use of airspace in ‘security incident’
- At least five British Airways flights forced to land at other airports this morning
- Several other flights delayed as a result of planes being ‘stacked’ above airport
- Comes after the RAF demanded an ‘unplanned’ use of airspace near Heathrow
Flights arriving at Heathrow have been diverted after an RAF plane demanded an ‘unplanned’ use of airspace.
At least five British Airways flights were forced to land at other airports this morning due to what some passengers called a ‘security incident’.
Meanwhile, several other flights were delayed as a result of planes being ‘stacked’ above Greater London as they waited for airspace to clear.
Passengers aboard some of the affected flights revealed how pilots had informed them over the tannoy that the situation had been caused by a security incident.
Flights arriving at Heathrow have been diverted after an RAF plane demanded an ‘unplanned’ use of airspace (stock)
However a Heathrow spokesman told MailOnline that the incident was not security related, but refused to elaborate further.
He added: ‘Arrivals were paused briefly this morning due to an RAF request for an operational flight within part of Heathrow’s airspace.
‘Arrivals are now operating as normal.’
MailOnline has also contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.
Passengers took to social media in the aftermath of the incident as they appealed for more information.
One wrote: ‘I’m on one of the few planes that were now cleared for landing’
‘Our pilot just informed us that they’re restricting arrivals to allow a plane with a security incident on board to land.’
Another passenger added: ‘Captain said Heathrow is closed for arrivals for a ‘security incident’ but nothing in the news. What’s going on?’
A third said: ‘Still on the ground and waiting for info.. Seems like there is two options right now, refuel and get back to Heathrow or bus to London.’