Flights resume after fighter jet drama

FLIGHTS have resumed at Manchester Airport after a fighter jet was scrambled to escort a passenger plane.

Greater Manchester Police said the Qatar Airways pilot received information about a possible device on board. The Airbus A330-30 had 269 passengers and 13 crew.

The news first broke on Twitter where eyewitnesses posted pictures of an RAF jet flying behind the airliner which was travelling from Doha.

A spokesman for the airport said one runway was shut for around 25 minutes leading to the diversion of nine aircraft.

In a statement chief superintendent John O’Hare said: “An incoming plane has been escorted into the airport by the Royal Air Force as a result of information received by the pilot about a possible device on board.
 
“We don’t know how genuine this threat is but it is absolutely vital we deal with the situation as a full emergency. As a result people will see the police and other agencies at the airport and on the airfield.
 
“At this time I would urge them not to be alarmed. Our response will be as comprehensive as it is proportionate with the safety of those on board and in and around the airport our paramount concern.”

Police say they have arrested one passenger on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.