LONDON (AP) — A British fighter jet was launched to divert a civilian plane carrying nearly 300 passengers from Pakistan to England after an incident on board, British officials said Friday.
Britain’s Ministry of Defense said the Typhoon was launched to investigate an incident involving a civilian aircraft. It declined to provide further details.
Mark Davison, press officer at Stansted Airport, confirmed that the plane had landed safely and is on an isolated runway.
Pakistan International Airlines confirmed that its Flight P709 traveling from Lahore to Manchester was involved.
Spokesman Mashood Tajwar said the airline has been unable to contact the pilot of the airplane despite repeated attempts, adding that 297 passengers and 11 crew are on board the flight.
Essex Police confirmed that “an incident has occurred” on the plane and that police and partners are responding.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
