RAF Typhoons scrambled to Qatar Airways UK-bound flight that was ‘inflicting concern’
The RAF confirmed a ‘quick reaction alert’ was activated after Qatar Airways flight QR23 was ‘causing concern to civil authorities’ in UK airspace as the flight landed safely at Manchester Airport
Qatar Airways flight landing at Manchester Airport after being escorted by RAF typhoons(Image: Emily Brobyn (X))
Two RAF jets were dispatched to escort a flight heading for Manchester Airport last night (July 24).
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 due to the flight ‘causing concern to civil authorities’. The jets took off from RAF Coningsby but the nature of the concern remains unclear at this time.
There are unconfirmed reports from aviation websites suggesting that air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the alert resulted in two typhoon jets being sent to escort the plane. It’s reported that the escort was called off well before the plane reached Manchester.
Two RAF Typhoon jets were deployed (file)(Image: wellsie82 via Getty Images)
The plane landed normally at Manchester Airport at 8:01pm and it is understood that no emergency services were present upon its arrival.
Qatar Airways spoke about the incident to the UK Defence Journal and said at “no point was the aircraft in any danger.” They did not state the nature of the incident but said the escort was a “precautionary measure” after a a “security notification from UK authorities”.
In a statement to the publication, the airline 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 at Manchester Airport safely (stock)(Image: Teamjackson via Getty Images)
“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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