A fake bomb threat via email led to significant disruption at one of the UK’s busiest air hubs this evening. Police cordoned off the Emirates flight arriving from Dubai, and multiple fire engines were deployed to the airport. The plane was surrounded after it touched down at around 7.20 pm and was held on the airport apron while the threat was assessed. Several other flights were redirected while the situation was dealt with by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Those waiting for flights at the airport were shocked to see a fleet of fire engines race to the Emirates plane. One witness posted a video on social media of the plane being swamped by blue lights.
As the emergency services swarmed the aircraft, Emirates passengers were told they could only disembark once security checks had been completed. Eventually, the aircraft was cleared, and passengers were allowed to disembark after security staff found no suspicious items. A spokesperson for Emirates said the airline’s crew and ground teams ‘co-operated fully with authorities’.
Greater Manchester Police were informed of the threat at around 7.20 pm this evening after receiving an email claiming a suspicious item onboard a flight. The Airbus A380 landed around 7:21 p.m. and was subsequently held on the apron while the matter was assessed. The GMP spokesperson added, “Emergency services followed due process, and searches were carried out. There was no physical evidence of anything to cause concern.”
GMP spokesman Darren Williams confirmed that an Emirates flight had landed from Dubai and that the aircraft was ‘held on the apron for further assessment.’ He said: ‘Officers from Greater Manchester Police arrived swiftly on the scene, along with fire service crews, who searched the aircraft and surrounding areas. ‘As a precaution, the aircraft was evacuated and cleared to continue its journey.’
The Airbus A380, which can carry up to 525 people, departed from Dubai at 2 p.m. It sat on the apron briefly as it was searched, causing incoming flights from Palma in Spain and Paphos in Cyprus to divert while the plane was being checked.
After the plane was cleared, passengers could disembark and were escorted off the aircraft by GMP officers. The airport remained closed until just before 10 pm, with incoming and outgoing flights affected.
An Emirates spokesman told the Manchester Evening News: ‘We can confirm that EK019 was subjected to additional security checks upon arrival at Manchester Airport this evening (17 October). It was subsequently cleared, and passengers could disembark with extra officers to address any concerns and offer visible reassurance.’ He also said the airline would not be commenting further on the matter.
