RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
See dramatic pictures as RAF fighter jets intercepted a Luton-bound Ryanair flight from Lithuania and escorted it to Stansted.
1. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
A security scare on board a Ryanair flight that was escorted by RAF jets and saw flights at Stansted Airport grounded was a suspected hoax, the airline said. Credit @AndyLonghurstUK
2. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Passengers were evacuated after plane was diverted from its route between Kaunas, Lithuania, and Luton Airport and forced to land at Stansted Airport at around 8.55am on Wednesday.
3. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Twitter users posted pictures of armed police on the runway and Essex Police said officers were investigating.
4. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
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."
5. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Essex Police were called to the scene.
6. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Passengers are escorted off flight FR2145 on the runway at Stansted.
7. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Ryanair said, "The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so."
8. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
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."
9. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Armed officers on the runway at Stansted.
10. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
A sonic boom echoed across the Suffolk skyline when the jets were scrambled, Suffolk Police confirmed.
11. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
A spokesman for the airport said all flights had now resumed after being held for about 10 minutes.
12. RAF Jets Intercept Ryanair Plane
Passengers were taken by coach to the terminal before continuing their journey.
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