Stansted Airport
A police vehicle passes next to a Pakistan International Airlines aircraft that was intercepted and escorted by fighter jets to Stansted airportbecause of a disruptive passenger on 7 February 2017 Alan Walter/Reuters

Two RAF fighter jets were scrambled to escort a Pakistani International Airlines (PIA) flight after a security alert was triggered on Tuesday (7 February).

Flight PK757 from Lahore was due to land at Heathrow, but was diverted to Stansted following reports of a disruptive passenger. It is not believed to be terrorist-related.

More from IBTimes UK

The plane was held on a remote stand away from the airport as police dealt with the situation. A Stansted spokesperson said the airport remains open and is operating as normal.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to intercept a civilian aircraft.

In an emailed statement seen by IBTimes UK, the Met Police said: "A passenger on a flight from Lahore to Heathrow on Tuesday, 7 February, was due to be arrested on arrival at Heathrow Airport.

"Following the diversion of the aircraft, the man was arrested at Stansted Airport."

An MoD spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft was "intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted airport."

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "There is no disruption to the ongoing operation of Stansted Airport. This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter."

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority tweeted a statement following the incident. It said: "All passengers onboard are safe and being looked after by PIA's local management. Passengers will be provided surface transport to London. For the return flight efforts are underway to ensure least inconvenience to passengers."

Stansted is the default airport when such security threats occur.