Two fighter jets were scrambled to an Aer Lingus passenger plane after its pilots allegedly refused to divert during a bomb threat, a French prosecutor has said. The incident occurred on Thursday on Flight EI402 from Dublin to Rome, which was directed to land at Évreux military base in France.
Passengers described the experience as "terrifying" as the fighter jets appeared alongside the aircraft. The threat was later determined to be a hoax.
Pilots questioned in France
Rémi Coutin, the public prosecutor for Évreux, stated that both the pilot and co-pilot are allowed to leave France after being questioned, and that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In a statement to the Irish Times, Coutin said he launched a probe after being "informed that the pilot of the aircraft had initially refused to comply with the French authorities' request to land at Évreux, and that two fighter jets had to be dispatched to compel him to do so."
It is claimed that the pilots wanted to land at a commercial airport when the threat was revealed, and that the fighter planes were used to ensure the aircraft landed at the military base.
Aer Lingus defends crew
A spokesperson for Aer Lingus said the pilots and crew "acted impeccably" during the security issue. The airline stated: "The captain and crew on Aer Lingus flight EI402 acted impeccably and were thoroughly professional throughout yesterday's security issue. Safety and the care of our passengers is Aer Lingus' top priority and this was upheld professionally by the captain and crew of the aircraft throughout in what were very challenging circumstances."
The Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA) said questioning is "generally standard procedure" and that the pilots cooperated fully with French authorities. They are being represented in France by IALPA's sister union, the SNPL.
IALPA President, Captain Daniel Langan, said: "IALPA is fully satisfied that the pilots discharged their legal and safety responsibilities to the fullest extent and acted professionally throughout." He added that pilots have clear legal responsibilities and authority regarding the safe operation of their aircraft, governed by applicable Irish law and the laws of the state in whose airspace the aircraft is operating.
The Aer Lingus flight was one of several across Europe subjected to bomb hoaxes in recent days. Langan concluded: "IALPA fully supports the pilots involved and is satisfied that their actions were consistent with their professional obligations and their overriding responsibility for aviation safety. IALPA will continue to liaise with the relevant parties to ensure that the pilots are fully supported and can return home safely today."
