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RAF jets escort Ryanair flight to Stansted airport after security alert RAF jets escort Ryanair flight to Stansted airport after security alert
(35 minutes later)
A Ryanair passenger jet has been escorted into Stansted airport by two RAF fighter jets following a suspected hoax security alert. A Ryanair passenger jet has been escorted into Stansted airport by two RAF fighter jets after a suspected hoax security alert.
Flights were temporaily grounded at the airport as the passneger plane was diverted from its route between Kaunas, Lithuania, and Luton airport in Bedfordshire. Flights were temporaily grounded at the hub as the plane was redirected from its route between Kaunas in Lithuania and Luton airport in Bedfordshire.
Ryanair said the plane was diverted after Lithunaian authorities received what is believed to be a hoax threat. A Ryanair spokesman said: “A flight from Kaunas to London Luton diverted to London Stansted in line with procedures after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert.
A Ryanair spokesman said: “This flight from Kaunas to London Luton diverted to London Stansted in line with procedures after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert.
“The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so.”“The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so.”
Essex police have confirmed they are now dealing with the incident. Essex police are investigating the incident.
@BBCEngland Not a sight you see everyday. Ryanair flight being tailed by a fighter plane. Something going on? Hope all is well over Suffolk pic.twitter.com/4yFTom2lMF@BBCEngland Not a sight you see everyday. Ryanair flight being tailed by a fighter plane. Something going on? Hope all is well over Suffolk pic.twitter.com/4yFTom2lMF
An RAF spokesman confirmed two jets were scrambled from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and were authorised to travel at supersonic speed, which is only allowed overland in emergency situations. An RAF spokesman said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this morning from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft.
“The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this morning from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft,” the spokesman said. “The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted airport. The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons. Any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.”
“The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted airport. The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons; any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.” RAF aircraft are authorised to travel at supersonic speed over land only in emergency situations.