Police identified a 14-year-old boy from Bolton, England, after a Qatar Airways hoax threat prompted RAF Typhoons to escort a Doha-Manchester flight on Friday, July 24.
Greater Manchester Police said National Air Traffic Services reported the threat at about 6 p.m. Police then coordinated with the Royal Air Force and the authorities at Manchester Airport.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF Typhoons took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to intercept the aircraft, according to Sky News.
The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport. Police said their investigation found the threat was a hoax and confirmed that passengers and crew faced no danger.
The boy was not aboard the flight and was assisting officers with their inquiries. Police did not announce an arrest or charge.
Chief Inspector Gary Homa said hoax calls could disrupt operations, divert emergency resources and alarm passengers and crew.
Read: Qatar Airways Flights Suspended as Qatar Airspace Remains Closed
“Making false reports is not a prank and can have serious consequences,” Homa said.
Police said they would continue investigating the incident and take action if officers identified any criminal offences.
