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26 June, 2019

Flight receives fighter-jet escort after disruptive passenger sparks miscommunication

A Jet2 flight was escorted back to London by two RAF Typhoon fighter jets after a mix-up between air traffic controllers and the pilots.

The flight was on its way to Dalaman in Turkey from Stansted Airport when a 25-year-old female passenger became disruptive.

According to a Tweet from another passenger onboard, the woman appeared to be intoxicated and had to be restrained.

“So I get on a plane to turkey after being in the air for 45 mins some drunk lady (may be on drugs too) attacks the cabin crew and then tried to open the airplane door!! 6 people are holding her down, she’s screaming biting people and now she’s in a seat being held down,” Amiy Varol Tweeted.

TWEET 1/2
So I get on a plane to turkey after being in the air for 45 mins some drunk lady (may be on drugs too) attacks the cabin crew and then tried to open the airplane door!! 6 people are holding her down, she’s screaming biting people and now she’s in a seat being held down
— Amiy Varol (@AmiyVarol) June 22, 2019

However, when the pilot told air traffic control the flight was turning back, they overheard him reporting the cockpit door had not been compromised, which air traffic controllers interpreted to mean someone had tried to access the cockpit the BBC reported.

It was not clear at the time whether the woman tried to open the cabin door or the cockpit door, but nevertheless, this was enough for air traffic controllers to alert the military.

Jet2 told the Evening Standard the two typhoon fighters caused a sonic boom in their haste to escort the plane which could be heard for miles.

“The aircraft has returned safely and we are liaising with the relevant authorities to support their investigation,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

“We are working hard to ensure the remaining customers reach their destination as soon possible.”

The airline later clarified the woman had not tried to enter the cockpit.

An Essex Police spokeswoman told the Evening Standard the woman had been arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and endangering an aircraft but has since been released on bail.

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