The Airbus A340 was flying from the United Arab Emirates to the Nicaraguan capital, Managua.
Prosecutors claim that following a “anonymous tip-off,” it was grounded on Thursday during a technical stopover at the tiny Vatry airport in the Marne department.
Several people are confined in the airport, which police have sealed off.
According to local officials, an inquiry into the circumstances and goal of the trip has been opened.
They added that some of the passengers were believed to be illegal migrants.
According to a statement from the Marne prefect’s office, initially the passengers were permitted to stay in the aircraft; however, the arrival lounge at the airport was later converted into a waiting area furnished with beds.
The aircraft is said to be owned by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines.
