Britain scrambled two fighter jets earlier today to escort a Qatar Airways plane into Manchester airport after the pilot reported a possible explosive device on board. A passenger was later arrested on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat.
The incident, which prompted the authorities to close the northern England airport for 25 minutes, briefly raised fears of a terrorist attack.
Qatar Airways said the Airbus A330-300 plane was flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester with 269 passengers and 13 crew on board.
A Reuters photographer saw armed police remove a handcuffed male passenger dressed in baggy trousers and a sports shirt from the plane.
“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,” Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
“The aircraft was escorted to Manchester where it landed safely. This incident is now being handled by the civilian authorities.” The statement elaborated further.
Stupid Arse Hole, they could have shot that plane down with all those innocent passengers and crew on board.
I totally agree with you @ Williams. This is nonsense. 1st they should ground the pilot, who reported a possible explosive device on board. that idiot should step out from his "cock-pit" and do some investigation.