'Suspect package' prompts diversion of Ryanair flight

Unconfirmed reports have suggested a security alert on board a Ryanair flight involved a suspect package.

A Ryanair statement said a note had been passed to cabin crew while the flight was in progress saying there was a bomb on board. The airline said the flight was then diverted to Prestwick under instructions from British Air Traffic Control.

The scare resulted in a 25-mile air exclusion zone being set up around the airport, according to aviation sources.

This took effect at 2.09pm, and was lifted 16 minutes later at 2.25pm.

This had the effect of delaying some flights due to depart from nearby Glasgow Airport, and those flights were kept on the ground for that period.

A worker at Prestwick Airport said staff were not being evacuated but there was a large police and fire service presence.

He added that incoming flights were being diverted to Edinburgh Airport, and passengers on outgoing flights were being led back into the terminal building.