This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41495677
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
RAF jets intercept flight after security 'hoax' | RAF jets intercept flight after security 'hoax' |
(35 minutes later) | |
RAF Typhoon jets intercepted a passenger flight and diverted it to Stansted Airport following a suspected "hoax" security alert. | RAF Typhoon jets intercepted a passenger flight and diverted it to Stansted Airport following a suspected "hoax" security alert. |
The RAF said its quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were deployed on Wednesday morning and safely escorted the plane to the airport, near London. | |
Flights were temporarily grounded at Stansted but have since resumed. | |
Ryanair said the flight from Kaunas in Lithuania to Luton was diverted "in line with procedures". | |
A sonic boom could be heard in Suffolk after the Typhoon aircraft were authorised to travel at supersonic speed for the operation, the RAF said. | |
The aircraft are kept on high alert and can take off "within minutes" from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to defend UK airspace. | The aircraft are kept on high alert and can take off "within minutes" from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to defend UK airspace. |
Stansted is a designated airport for dealing with hijacks and major security alerts. | Stansted is a designated airport for dealing with hijacks and major security alerts. |
Flights were briefly held earlier, the airport said, but it is now open and operating normally. | Flights were briefly held earlier, the airport said, but it is now open and operating normally. |
London airspace remains open, the National Air Traffic Control Service confirmed. | London airspace remains open, the National Air Traffic Control Service confirmed. |
Essex Police confirmed Wednesday's incident was "not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter". | |
A Ryanair spokesman said the plane landed normally and passengers are being transferred to Luton by coach. |