14-year-old linked to hoax that prompted RAF fighter escort

A 14-year-old boy is assisting police with their investigation after a hoax threat prompted a major security response, including the scrambling of two Royal Air Force fighter jets to escort a passenger plane to Manchester Airport. The incident occurred on the evening of July 24, 2026, when Qatar Airways flight QR23 from Doha was entering UK airspace.

Greater Manchester Police stated they responded to a report of a threat made to the aircraft from the National Air Traffic Services at 6 p.m. In response, an RAF Quick Reaction Alert was activated. Two Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to intercept the Boeing 777. The military aircraft escorted the passenger jet for part of its journey, with the interception occurring over Nottingham, before the escort was stood down prior to landing.

The flight landed safely at Manchester Airport at 7:45 p.m. and taxied normally to its gate. Emergency ground services were placed on standby as a standard precaution, but were not required. Authorities confirmed there was never any credible threat to the 301 to 451 passengers and crew on board, and the incident was resolved without injury or further disruption.