Disruption at Prestwick Airport as RAF jets escort unresponsive plane to safe landing

Typhoon jets were scrambled this afternoon (Kris Miller / DC Thomson & PA)

RAF jets were scrambled this afternoon to escort an aircraft that lost communication over Scotland.

Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire were sent out to ensure the aircraft could make an emergency landing.

The unresponsive plane, thought to be a Boeing 737 travelling from France to Iceland, safely touched down at Prestwick Airport.

A heavy police presence and roads closures as a safety precaution caused disruption in Ayrshire throughout the incident.

RAF Typhoon circling Prestwick Airport after escorting aircraft into land pic.twitter.com/XQ0DCPZ9Qt

— Gareth Burge Photography (@GarethBPhoto) October 28, 2016

A Police Scotland statement said: “An aircraft has been diverted to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Ayrshire around 1440 hours today, Friday 28 October 2016 following reports of a temporary loss of communication.

“A full emergency response has been put into action at the airport. The aircraft landed safely at 1557 hours. Emergency services are in attendance to establish the full circumstances.”

Roads around Prestwick have since reopened.

Been stuck in traffic at prestwick airport fur aboot an hour now and police cars just keep fleeing past Whits honestly happening

— Chad Benson (@Chad_benson_) October 28, 2016

We might struggle to get to tonight's dinner,roads gridlocked all around prestwick airport!!

— Rikki (@rikkiblack69) October 28, 2016

It's all kicking off at Prestwick Airport ? thank god im finished for the week ??

— lindsay cole (@lindsycole) October 28, 2016

Air force pilots had been authorised to break the sound barrier as they raced towards the aircraft, resulting in a sonic boom being heard in parts of the country.

An RAF spokesman said: “Quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to identify an unresponsive civilian aircraft.

“The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons; any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.

“Communications were re-established and the aircraft has been safely escorted by the Lossiemouth aircraft to Prestwick airport.”

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