RAF fighter jets scrambled to escort Ryanair aircraft into Stansted airport

TWO RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled from RAF Coningsby this morning to escort a Ryanair passenger aircraft into London Stansted airport.

The flight was from Kaunas, in Lithuania, to London Luton, and the alarm was raised by Lithuanian authorities.

A Ryanair spokesman said the flight was diverted “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.”

Stansted Airport said that the airport is  operating normally after flights were held briefly while the flight was diverted at 8.55am this morning.

An RAF spokesman said, “The RAF can confirm 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.”

@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

— Andy Longhurst (@AndyLonghurstUK) October 4, 2017

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