YEREVAN, OCTOBER 22, ARMENPRESS. A Belarusian “Belavia” aircraft, en route from Kiev to Minsk, was forced to return to the Ukrainian airport under the threat of being intercepted by military jets. The reason of the forced landing was an Armenian citizen aboard the aircraft, Obozrevatel.com reported citing the airline’s press service.

“The ground controller ordered the aircraft to immediately return to the airport after entering the airspace of Belarus 50km. No explanation was given. The ground controller reported in case of failing to fulfill the order fighter jets will be scrambled”, the statement of the airline company reads.

After landing in Kiev, Ukrainian law enforcement officers removed one passenger from the airplane, who is an Armenian citizen.

According to Сегодня.ua, the passenger’s last name is Martirosyan. He is accused of criminal activities and being a serviceman of Ukraine’s Security Service.

The Armenian citizen was released later and departed for Minsk at 19:00.

Belavia says it will demand Ukraine to compensate for the aircraft’s expenses.