Two French fighter jets escorted Aer Lingus flight EI402 to Évreux military base after the pilots allegedly refused to land there following a suspected hoax bomb threat, according to a French prosecutor.
It is understood that the pilots wished to divert to a commercial airport instead. The jets were scrambled, and the flight was subsequently escorted to Évreux base.
On Thursday, passengers aboard the Rome-bound flight described the sight of fighter jets outside their windows as "terrifying". An investigation into the incident has since been launched, with both pilots having been questioned by authorities.
Investigation and pilot questioning
Rémi Coutin, the public prosecutor for Évreux, confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot had been permitted to leave France following their interviews. Mr Coutin added that the investigation into the matter remained ongoing.
In a statement to the Irish Times, he 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."
The Aer Lingus flight was amongst several subjected to bomb hoaxes over recent days.
Aer Lingus and pilot union responses
The airline said: "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, meanwhile, described the questioning as "generally standard procedure", adding that the pilots cooperated fully with the French authorities and 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.
"The primary responsibility of pilots is, first and foremost, the safety of their passengers, crew and aircraft. Pilots have clear legal responsibilities and authority in relation to the safe operation of their aircraft.
"In the case of an Irish-registered aircraft, these responsibilities and powers are governed by applicable Irish law, as well as the relevant laws of the state in whose airspace the aircraft is operating."
He further stated: "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."
