Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled to intercept a Qatar Airways flight heading to Manchester Airport from Doha on Friday night after a hoax threat was made. The 14-year-old boy, from Bolton in Greater Manchester, was not on the flight and is assisting detectives with their enquiries.
Incident timeline
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) received the threat at around 6pm on Friday. Police, the RAF from a base in Lincolnshire, and airport authorities responded. The plane landed safely at 7.45pm and taxied to its gate without any incident, but emergency ground services were put on standby as a standard precautionary measure.
Police response
On Saturday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the boy was assisting detectives with enquiries into a hoax threat. Chief Inspector Gary Homa, of Operation at Manchester Airport, said: "This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable. The safety of the public is always our top priority and every report of this nature is treated extremely seriously." He added: "Hoax calls can cause significant disruption, divert vital emergency service resources and create unnecessary concern for passengers, crew and the wider public. Thankfully, this incident concluded safely, but making false reports is not a prank and can have serious consequences."
Qatar Airways statement
A Qatar Airways spokesperson said: "Qatar Airways confirms that, as a precautionary measure and in line with standard procedure, flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester was provided with an escort for part of its journey prior to landing following a security notification from UK authorities. At no point was the aircraft in any danger, and normal operations continued on board throughout. The flight landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident."
No formal arrest
Police have not said the boy has been formally arrested, just that he is helping officers with their enquiries. GMP added: "Working alongside partners, including the Royal Air Force and airport authorities, all necessary resources were deployed to ensure the safety of the aircraft and those on board. The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport and there was no threat to passengers or crew. Following enquiries, the report was found to be a hoax." An RAF spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an RAF Quick Reaction Alert was launched for a Qatar Airways flight which was causing concern to civil authorities."
