Two Men Arrested After Fighter Jets Escort Passenger Plane in Britain
Two men were arrested Friday afternoon on suspicion of endangering an aircraft on its approach to England's Manchester Airport.
The Pakistan International Airlines flight originated in Lahore, Pakistan, and was scheduled to land in Manchester airport, when, shortly before landing, fighter jets were scrambled to escort the plane. The plane was then diverted to Stansted Airport, a little outside of London.
Pakistan International Airlines spokesman Mashood Tajwar told reporters that the airline had been unable to contact the pilot of the flight despite repeated attempts to do so.
The two men were arrested immediately after landing and the rest of the passengers disembarked soon after.
Air traffic controllers called for the jet escort and diversion after they received indications of a "terror threat" on the plane, which had 297 passengers on board.
