A U.S. airline flight from Paris to Charlotte, North Carolina has been diverted to the northeastern U.S. state of Maine, because of what an airline spokesman called a “security issue.”
The North American Aerospace Defense Command says two F-15 fighter jets were scrambled Tuesday to escort U.S. Airways Flight 787 to a safe landing in Bangor, Maine, some 1400 kilometers from the flight's intended destination.
The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration said the plane was diverted “out of an abundance of caution” and was met at the airport by law enforcement officials.
The TSA said it is “aware” of reports that a passenger on the plane was acting suspiciously.
U.S. Airways says the Boeing 767 was carrying 179 passengers and nine crew members.