Flight to US finds nothing after returning to Greek airport amid security scare

Authorities said nothing suspicious was found after a flight bound for the United States was ordered to return to Greece due to a security scare.

Emirates flight EK209, en route to Newark, New Jersey, near New York, landed safely at Athens International Airport two hours after takeoff on Thursday, and the plane and passengers were screened.

A second Emirates flight, EK210, scheduled for Dubai, stopped in the Greek capital before takeoff.

Public broadcaster ERT said the order was issued at the request of U.S. authorities.

Military officials said flight EK209 was escorted back to Greek airspace by two Greek Air Force F-16s.

Police said the inspection did not confirm information about a potentially suspicious passenger.

In a statement, Dubai-based Emirates acknowledged the disruption “due to security checks requested by the authorities”.

It did not elaborate, but did apologise to passengers for the inconvenience.