A BOMB threat closed Manchester Airport causing three flights to be diverted.

An Emirates flight from Dubai, containing hundreds of passengers, was held on the apron after it landed shortly after 7pm last night, Tuesday.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police boarded the plane and airport fire engines surrounded the jet, after the alarm was raised.

The Airbus 380 was given the all-clear after a security check.

A spokesman for GMP said last night: “At around 7.20pm on Tuesday, October 17, Greater Manchester Police were made aware of an email claiming there was a suspicious package on a flight.

“The aircraft landed at Manchester Airport and was held for further assessment.

“Searches and security checks have been completed and no suspicious items have so far been found.

“Passengers have now disembarked the aircraft with extra officers on hand to answer any questions and offer visible reassurance.

“No arrests have been made at this stage.”

An Emirates spokesman said: “We can confirm that flight EK019 arriving in Manchester on October 17 was subjected to additional security checks upon arrival.

“Emirates crew and ground teams co-operated fully with the authorities.

“After the local authorities cleared the aircraft, it proceeded to the gate where passengers disembarked as normal.”

The airfield closure only lasted for 15 minutes.

Three flights were diverted and a small number of planes delayed.