RAF Typhoons intercepted the aircraft, Jet2.com flight LS922, and escorted it to Stansted following the alert at around 9pm. Upon landing, officers established there was no threat onboard.

An RAF spokesperson told the BBC the Typhoons were dispatched from RAF Coningsby to intercept an aircraft "causing concern". Stansted confirmed its runway was closed for a short time while the incident was dealt with. It has since reopened.

In a statement issued to TTG, Jet2.com said it wanted to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience or upset caused by the incident, adding it was looking after those affected.

"We can confirm flight LS922 from Dalaman to Manchester diverted to London Stansted yesterday evening [Wednesday 12 October] under the direction of the UK authorities," said a Jet2.com spokesperson.

"The aircraft landed safely and taxied to a remote stand, where customers disembarked. Our teams have worked very hard to look after customers, and we would like to apologise to everyone onboard for any inconvenience or upset caused by this unforeseen incident.

"We understand that the authorities were alerted to a potential security threat, however this was soon downgraded and the incident was declared over.”