Qatar Airways flight that noticed RAF jets deployed was over ‘menace’ as police probe
Yesterday the RAF confirmed a ‘quick reaction alert’ was activated after Qatar Airways flight was ‘causing concern to civil authorities’ as Greater Manchester Police confirm “threat made” to aircraft
The Qatar Airways flight was escorted by RAF typhoons over reports of a ‘threat’(Image: Emily Brobyn (X))
A police investigation has been launched after a threat was made to an aircraft that prompted the Royal Air Force (RAF) deployed to escort a UK-bound flight.
Qatar Airways flight QR23 was heading to Manchester Airport last night (July 24) when two Typhoons from RAF Coningsby were scrambled due to it “causing concern to civil authorities”, according to the RAF.
The incident occurred as Qatar Airways flight QR23 from the Qatari capital Doha to Manchester Airport entered UK airspace. The RAF confirmed that a ‘quick reaction alert’ was triggered.
However, in a statement from Greater Manchester Police, it now appears that the incident was prompted by a hoax call. Officers responded to a report of a threat made to an aircraft heading to Manchester Airport from the National Air Traffic Services on Thursday at 6pm.
Two RAF Typhoon jets were deployed but quickly called back to base (file)(Image: wellsie82 via Getty Images)
Police then worked with partners, including the Royal Air Force and airport authorities, so all necessary resources were deployed to ensure the safety of the aircraft and those on board. The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport and there was no threat to passengers or crew after the report turned out to be hoax.
A 14-year-old boy from the Bolton area, who was not on board the flight, has been identified and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
Chief Inspector Gary Homa of Operation at Manchester Airport said: “This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable. The safety of the public is always our top priority and every report of this nature is treated extremely seriously.
“Hoax calls can cause significant disruption, divert vital emergency service resources and create unnecessary concern for passengers, crew and the wider public.
“Thankfully, this incident concluded safely, but making false reports is not a prank and can have serious consequences. We will always investigate incidents of this kind thoroughly and take robust action where offences have been committed.”
Qatar Airways has also issued a statement on the incident. A spokesperson said: “Qatar Airways confirms that, as a precautionary measure and in line with standard procedure, flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester was provided with an escort for part of its journey prior to landing following a security notification from UK authorities.
“At no point was the aircraft in any danger, and normal operations continued on board throughout. The flight landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority. We thank our passengers for their understanding.”
An RAF spokesperson stated: “We can confirm that an RAF Quick Reaction Alert was launched for a Qatar Airways flight which was causing concern to civil authorities.
“The incident was resolved and the airliner landed safely at Manchester Airport.”
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