Emirates flight from Greece to New York is ordered to TURN BACK over ‘security concerns’

An Emirates flight from Greece was forced to turn around on its way to New York Thursday after authorities in Greece ordered the plane back over ‘security concerns,’ a state-owned news report has revealed. 

The unrest also saw a second airliner at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, in Athens, grounded as well. 

The decision to call back and ground the planes reportedly stemmed from a request by United States authorities, where Greek police were tipped off about a ‘suspicious’ passenger on the airborne plane, police sources and local media said. 

When asked, Greek authorities would not confirm the exact source and nature of the American request. 

An Emirates flight from Greece to New York was forced to return to Athens Thursday after authorities in Greece ordered the plane back over ‘security concerns.’ Pictured is stock photo of an unrelated Emirates flight

Public new station ERT1 was the first to report on the disruptions, which saw pilots on Emirates flight #ΕΚ209 ordered to circle back after takeoff, and forced to perform an emergency landing.

The flight, which had been en route to Newark Airport, has since returned to Athens safely, officials confirmed.

The second Emirates flight, meanwhile, was stopped prior to takeoff. The plane had been bound for Dubai.

After receiving the request, the airport activated its crisis management team. 

Passengers from the second flight, from Athens to Dubai, were reportedly searched thoroughly upon disembarking, taking off shoes and other items at the terminal.

Other details surrounding the incident were not immediately available as of Thursday evening.

This is a developing story; please check back for further updates.