False Alarm Prompts RAF Scramble
‘‘Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire were called to assist an American Airlines’ flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to London Heathrow following reports of an incident onboard involving a disruptive passenger,” said a British Defense Ministry official.Once it became apparent that the incident was not terrorist related, the two RAF aircraft were recalled.
“The jets did not ‘escort’ the airliner into Heathrow, breaking off over Oxfordshire to return to base,” the official added.
The incident concerned AA Flight 78 from Dallas. According to a statement released by the airline, “A female passenger became distressed during the flight and reportedly attempted to gain access to the flight deck. The passenger was calmed by flight attendants, but as a precaution, a priority approach to London was requested and police were requested to meet the aircraft on arrival.” The aircraft was carrying 161 passengers and 12 crew.
