Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled last night to intercept a Qatar Airways flight bound for Manchester after ground controllers lost radio contact with the aircraft, triggering a national security alert.
The incident began as Flight QR23 from Doha entered UK airspace, prompting the Ministry of Defence to launch a ‘Quick Reaction Alert’ from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. An RAF spokesperson confirmed the jets were deployed after the airliner was “causing concern to civil authorities”.
“Typhoons scrambed after Qatar Airways flight lost radio contact; landed safely at Manchester.”
Aviation website Air Live reported that air traffic controllers had lost communication with the Boeing 777 during its approach. An unresponsive commercial aircraft is treated as a potential security threat, leading to the rapid deployment of the two Typhoons to make visual contact with the crew.
The fighter jets intercepted the Qatar Airways flight over Nottingham, but the escort was stood down quickly after no issue was identified. Emergency ground services were put on standby at Manchester Airport as a standard precaution, but the plane taxied safely to its gate without further incident, landing at 7.45pm at Terminal 2 – on time.
The same Boeing 777, capable of carrying up to 451 passengers, was scheduled to return to Doha as Flight QR24 at 9.15pm, but had not yet taken off as of 10.50pm. Civil aviation authorities are expected to investigate the loss of radio contact in coordination with the airline. Qatar Airways has been approached for comment.