Typhoons escort Qatar Airways into Manchester after bomb threat
Britain scrambled two fighter jets to escort a Qatar Airways plane into Manchester airport earlier today after the pilot reported a possible explosive device on board.
According to Reuters, a passenger was later arrested on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat.
Qatar Airways confirmed the Airbus A330-300 plane was flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester with 269 passengers and 13 crew on board.
In a statement, the UK’s Ministery of Defence said:“We can confirm that Typhoon aircraft were launched from RAF Coningsby in their quick reaction alert role this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft whose pilot had requested assistance,
"The aircraft was escorted to Manchester where it landed safely. This incident is now being handled by the civilian authorities.”
