BA flight searched over ‘direct’ threat

A British Airways flight was searched by armed police because of a “direct threat” to the plane.

Flight number BA0303 was held on the tarmac at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and surrounded by police and fire vehicles at around 8am UK yesterday.

British Airways said: “The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority.

“Additional security checks are being carried out as a precaution. We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so.”

At around 11.10am, a British Airways spokeswoman confirmed the flight had taken off.

The airline did not state the nature of the alleged threat.

Traveller James Anderson, 20, tweeted a picture of the security services. He posted: “On British Airways flight BA0303, currently being held on tarmac at Paris due to security threat, surrounded by police and fire vehicles. Apparently an individual has made a direct threat to this aircraft.”