Military jets have escorted a passenger plane to Manchester Airport after information was received by the pilot about a “possible device on board”.
A passenger onboard the flight QR23 from Doha has been arrested at Manchester airport, on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat. The man was taken of the aircraft by armed police officers. The airport has now re-opened.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were treating it as a "full emergency" as they did not know "how genuine this threat is".
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A330-30, carrying 269 passengers and 13 crew on board.
In a statement, chief superintendent John O’Hare, said: “An incoming plane has been escorted into the airport by the Royal Air Force as a result of information received by the pilot about a possible device on board.”
“We don’t know how genuine this threat is but it is absolutely vital we deal with the situation as a full emergency.
“As a result people will see the police and other agencies at the airport and on the airfield.”
He added: “At this time I would urge them not to be alarmed. Our response will be as comprehensive as it is proportionate with the safety of those on board and in and around the airport our paramount concern.”
All flights in and out of Manchester were suspended for around 30 minutes.