British
police arrested two men for endangering an aircraft on Friday evening after a
Sri Lankan Airlines flight was diverted from London's Heathrow Airport to
nearby Stansted.
The
Sri Lankan Airlines A330 Airbus, which was carrying 267 passengers and crew,
was due to land at Heathrow Airport but was diverted to the Essex airport just
after 7.30pm.
The
remaining passengers are being looked after at a reception centre at Stansted
and are due to be transferred to Heathrow this morning. A spokesman for Stansted said last night: 'Stansted
Airport can confirm a Sri Lankan Airlines Airbus A330 diverted into Stansted at
approximately 7.30pm this evening.
'The
aircraft, which was flying from Colombo to Heathrow, landed safely with Essex
Police in attendance.’ The airport is open and flights are arriving and
departing as normal.' A spokesman for Essex Police added: 'Essex Police
officers boarded the aircraft and arrested two men on suspicion of endangering
an aircraft.
'The
passengers have been removed safely. Enquiries are ongoing.'