Police assess information around private flights to and from Stansted Airport after Epstein files released

Essex Police Assess Private Flights After Release of Epstein Files

Wednesday 18 February 2026 | 06:33 | UK

Essex Police are assessing information relating to private flights to and from Stansted Airport following the publication of newly released files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown last week urged UK authorities to “urgently” re-examine whether women or girls were trafficked into the country on flights linked to Epstein.

Writing in the New Statesman, Mr Brown said the recently published files from the United States Department of Justice showed Epstein’s private jet made 90 flights to or from UK airports, including 15 after his 2008 conviction for sex offences.

He claimed the documents described how girls were allegedly flown from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia to Stansted Airport, and suggested UK authorities may not have been aware of what was happening at the time. Mr Brown called for a full inquiry and said he had asked the Metropolitan Police to re-examine earlier investigative decisions.

Police Response

In a statement, Essex Police said:
“We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) confirmed that a national coordination group has been established to support forces reviewing allegations arising from the files.

A spokesperson said a small number of forces are currently assessing the material.

Stansted Airport Statement

London Stansted Airport said all private aircraft operate through independent fixed base operators, which handle private and corporate aviation in line with regulatory requirements.

The airport said immigration and customs checks for passengers arriving on private aircraft are conducted directly by Border Force, and that private jet passengers do not pass through the main airport terminal.

“The airport does not manage or have any visibility of passenger arrangements on privately operated aircraft,” the statement added.

Separate Assessment Involving Prince Andrew

Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing separate claims that Prince Andrew shared confidential reports from his former role as UK trade envoy with Epstein.

Those claims are distinct from the flight-related assessment being conducted by Essex Police.

Prince Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to his links with Epstein but has not directly responded to the latest allegations. Being named in the released files does not in itself imply criminal activity.

Police have not announced any formal investigation at this stage, stating they are reviewing the information to determine whether further action is required.