The flight was scheduled to depart tonight.
Earlier in the day, British Foreign Secretary Lis Truss said the plane would take off regardless of the number of passengers on board.
The decision to cancel today’s flight ended three days of frantic legal challenges as immigration lawyers and unions tried to stop the deportation.
Leaders of the Church of England joined the opposition, calling the government’s policy “immoral.”
Despite the protests, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson strongly supported the UK plan, arguing that it was a systematic way to save lives and prevent criminal gangs smuggling immigrants across the English Channel in small boats.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was disappointed the plane could not take off but “could not be prevented from doing the right thing”.
“Our legal team is reviewing all the decisions made on this flight and preparations for the next trip are now beginning,” Patel said.
Boris Johnson announced an agreement with Rwanda in April stipulating that those who enter the UK illegally will be deported to that East African country.
In return, Rwanda will receive 1 million in development aid.
Deported immigrants can apply for asylum in Rwanda rather than in the UK.
“Total creator. Devoted tv fanatic. Communicator. Evil pop culture buff. Social media advocate.”
