RAF jets escort Ryanair flight to Stansted airport after security alert
RAF jets escort Ryanair flight to Stansted airport after 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 hub as the plane was redirected from its route between Kaunas in Lithuania and Luton airport in Bedfordshire.
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.
“The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so.”
Essex police are investigating the incident.
An RAF spokesman said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this morning from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft.
“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.
Source:- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/04/raf-typhoon-fighters-escort-ryanair-flight-to-stansted-airport
