Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled to escort a passenger jet to Stansted Airport this morning after a bomb threat was made.
Air India said the Boeing 777, which was travelling from Mumbai to Newark in the US, landed at Stansted as a "precautionary measure".
All flights at the airport were temporarily grounded.
Flight AI 191 touched down at around 10.15am. It was parked on an isolated stand away from normal operations, the airport said.
The airline later confirmed the bomb scare resulted from a hoax call received at Mumbai Airport, adding there was no security risk.
Video posted on social media shows a Typhoon jet in the airspace near Stansted.
A RAF spokesman confirmed Typhoon jets were scrambled.
He said: "The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this morning from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft.
“The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted airport. The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons; any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.”
A loud bang reported by several residents of Derby on social media has been linked to the unscheduled landing.
The noise was believed to be a sonic boom caused by the two RAF jets escorting the plane into the airport.
Residents first reported hearing the noise just after 10am today.
Essex Police said an aircraft has been diverted to Stansted Airport on Thursday morning after a "security alert".
A statement said: "An aircraft was diverted to Stansted Airport at around 9.50am today following reports of a security alert. The plane is currently at the airport and officers are making enquiries."
A Stansted Airport spokesman added: “An Air India Boeing 777 diverted into Stansted at approximately 10.15 this morning.
"The aircraft, which was flying from Mumbai to New York, landed safely with Essex Police in attendance.
"It is parked on an isolated stand away from the normal airport operations. The airport is open and flights are arriving and departing as normal.”
