An alarming aviation incident over the heart of London has triggered a major security review after an incoming passenger jet was briefly directed over one of the UK's most sensitive locations.
An Air France Boeing 777, operating as flight AF1281 from Paris Charles de Gaulle to London Heathrow, was given instructions by air traffic controllers that would have taken it on a direct path over 10 Downing Street on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft, carrying hundreds of passengers, was reportedly at an altitude of approximately 2,500 feet at the time.
Security Protocols Breached
According to aviation sources, the instruction was a clear deviation from standard security protocols that strictly prohibit commercial flights from overflying the Prime Minister's official residence. The no-fly zone around Downing Street is a critical component of London's air security measures, designed to protect government officials and key infrastructure.
Quick-thinking pilots aboard the Air France jet are believed to have questioned the unusual instruction from air traffic control. The flight path was subsequently corrected, and the aircraft landed safely at Heathrow without further incident.
Urgent Investigations Launched
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed it is investigating the serious breach. A spokesperson stated: "We are aware of an incident involving a flight approaching London Heathrow on Thursday. We are working with all relevant parties to establish the full facts."
National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which manages UK airspace, acknowledged the error: "A flight was briefly directed towards the prohibited airspace over central London before the instruction was quickly corrected. We are investigating how this happened."
Security experts have expressed grave concerns about the incident, noting that the consequences could have been severe had the instruction not been challenged. The proximity to government buildings and the potential security risk has raised questions about the robustness of current air traffic control protocols.
Downing Street has been briefed on the incident, though officials have declined to comment on specific security matters. The Prime Minister was reportedly in his office at the time of the incident.
Air France has been contacted for comment regarding the actions of its flight crew and the ongoing investigation into this serious security breach over the capital.
