A QATAR AIRWAYS flight (QR023) from Doha to Manchester has been escorted by a Royal Air Force Typhoon jet in to land at Manchester Airport after 'threats of a possible device' were made to crew on Tuesday 5 August.
The plane landed ahead of its scheduled arrival time of 1.15pm.
“We can confirm the incident is over and it’s business as usual at the airport."
Armed officers entered the plane - an Airbus A330 - and arrested a 47-year-old man from the North West on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.
A police statement states that the man has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Qatar Airways released a statement confirming the plane was carrying 265 passengers and thirteen crew on board.
All flights in and out of the airport were temporarily suspended, but flights were resumed by 2pm.
Manchester Airport
At around 1.30pm on Tuesday 5 August, Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent John O'Hare released this statement:
“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.
“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.”
At 5.15pm on Tuesday 5 August, Chief Superintendent O'Hare released this further statement:
"Today’s incident at the Manchester Airport has received widespread coverage and interest so it is right we update everybody.
“We can confirm the incident is over and it’s business as usual at the airport.
“The incident arose when the pilot received information about a possible device on board the plane having been handed a note from a passenger.
"As a result a full emergency activation commenced that involved the aircraft being escorted in by the RAF before specialist officers boarded and subsequently made an arrest.
"A 47-year-old man from the North West has been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax and remains in police custody for questioning.
“A full search of the aircraft has now finished and nothing suspicious was found.”
