RAF jets scrambled after mid-air drama on Jet2 flight
A 25-year-old woman is in police custody after becoming disruptive on a Jet2 flight from Stansted, which was forced to return to the UK, escorted by two RAF jets.
The sonic boom from the Typhoons were so loud that people called 999, fearing an explosion.
The female passenger reportedly became abusive 45 minutes into the flight to Dalaman, Turkey, early on Saturday evening, allegedly attacking staff, threatening fellow passengers and attempting to get into the cockpit.
After a struggle, she was eventually restrained and the aircraft returned to Stansted, with backup from fighter jets from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
The sonic boom from the Typhoons was felt up to 40 miles away.
Jet2 said: "We are aware of an incident regarding an extremely disruptive passenger on a flight from Stansted to Dalaman earlier this evening.
"The aircraft has returned safely and we are liaising with the relevant authorities to support their investigation. We are working hard to ensure the remaining customers reach their destination as soon as possible."
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were made aware of a disruptive passenger on an inbound flight to Stansted this evening, Saturday June 22.
"There is a possibility that residents nearby heard a loud noise, often associated with a sonic boom, as the aircraft descended into Stansted airspace.
"Officers attended and arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of two assaults and endangering an aircraft. She remains in custody."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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