Suspicious package on plane forces closure at Manchester airport
Manchester airport was forced to close its airfield on Tuesday evening after police investigated an Emirates flight after reports of a suspicious package onboard.
The aircraft, which took off at about 2.30pm from Dubai, landed in Manchester on Tuesday evening and was held for further assessment.
Greater Manchester police (GMP) said no suspicious items had been discovered and no arrests made. A source said the airfield was closed for a short period after the arrival of flight EK019 before normal operations resumed at 7.55pm.
A spokesperson for the force said: “At around 7.20pm this evening Greater Manchester police were made aware of an email claiming there was a suspicious package on a flight.
“The aircraft had landed at Manchester airport and was held for further assessment. Searches and security checks have been completed, and no suspicious items have so far been found.
“Passengers have now disembarked the aircraft with extra officers on hand to answer any questions and offer visible reassurance. No arrests have been made at this stage.”
A heavy police contingent was on the scene along with a number of fire engines on the runway, the Manchester Evening News reported.
A spokesperson for Emirates airline said: “We can confirm that flight EK019 arriving in Manchester today was subjected to additional security checks upon arrival.
“Emirates crew and ground teams cooperated fully with the authorities.
“After the local authorities cleared the aircraft, it proceeded to the gate where passengers disembarked as normal.”