Questioning Gulf Air passenger in London 'procedural'

Gulf Air has clarified that the questioning of one of their passengers in London recently was only 'procedural'.

DT had earlier reported that a suspected terrorist was apparently questioned in London by the London Police while travelling on Gulf Air flight GF007 that flew from Bahrain.

According to reports, the incident took place on Tuesday, as soon as the Gulf Air flight landed at Heathrow Airport.

Gulf Air had then confirmed this in a statement.

The drama apparently started when the pilot repeatedly called for a passenger with an Arabic name to speak to the cabin crew, once the plane landed.

However the man refused to make himself known and as reported earlier, police armed with pistols rushed on board as the plane waited outside Terminal 4.

Now Gulf Air clarifies that during the incident, "passengers on-board flight GF007 disembarked the aircraft following standard disembarking procedures in order to proceed to the terminal building."

"At the aircraft bridge leading to the terminal building, London police authorities questioned one passenger," said Gulf Air.

The airline also clarified that the authorities did not board the aircraft but were positioned at the aircraft bridge in order to question the passenger.

"Such security procedures and practices are entirely in the jurisdiction of the destination country’s official police system/authority, and such events are standard occurrences for all airlines and airports around the world.

“The safety, protection and comfort of our passengers and employees are of utmost importance and the Gulf Air crew handle such matters with a high level of professionalism,” Gulf Air stated.

DT News reported last November that lawmakers are seeking providing the national carrier with secret security agents to “ensure that no kidnapping incidents or terrorist activities target the safety of passengers.” Anyhow, the decision remains only a proposal until it’s granted further approval from higher authorities.