Flight from Lithuania to Luton diverted and lands safely, and police say nothing suspicious was found on board

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A suspected hoax security alert, which triggered the RAF to scramble two fighter jets to escort a Ryanair passenger jet, was received before the plane took off, it has emerged.

The flight from Kaunas, Lithuania, to Luton airport was diverted to Stansted airport where, upon landing, the plane was searched and nothing suspicious was found.

The alert was received before takeoff in Kaunas and the plane was searched and cleared by Lithuanian police, raising questions as to why it was necessary to divert the flight and, if the threat was still a concern, why the plane was allowed to leave the tarmac.

The RAF Typhoon jets that were scrambled to escort the aircraft into Stansted were given permission to travel overland at supersonic speed, a move only granted in an emergency.

A Ryanair spokesman said: “This flight from Kaunas to London Luton was delayed ahead of takeoff after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert. Police carried out a security search and cleared the aircraft to return to service; customers boarded and the flight departed to Luton.

“While on approach to Luton, upon the request of UK authorities, the aircraft diverted to London Stansted in line with security procedures, and landed normally at Stansted, where customers disembarked and were transferred to Luton by coach. Local police carried out a further search and cleared the aircraft to resume service once more.”

Essex police took over the investigation once the flight landed and later said nothing suspicious had been found on the aircraft. The force said the plane landed at 8.55am and that by 11am it had completed enquiries and found nothing suspicious.

Ch Insp Richard Phillibrown said: “We take all intelligence received regarding potential threats to public safety very seriously. The safety of the public is paramount.”

Andy Longhurst (@AndyLonghurstUK) @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

An RAF spokesman said: “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.”



