Sonic boom over England after RAF intercepts private jet near London

Stansted Airport issued a statement: "A private aircraft was escorted to London Stansted by an RAF Typhoon earlier today. It landed safely, was met by police, and the incident has now been stood down. The airport is operating as normal."

The interception took place under Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) procedures that allow military jets to exceed normal speed limits over land when responding to unresponsive or potentially dangerous aircraft. Under QRA protocol, coordination occurs between RAF Boulmer's Control and Reporting Centre and Air Command in High Wycombe. If necessary, orders are sent through these channels for pilots based at RAF Coningsby or Lossiemouth to launch Typhoons guided by controllers at Swanwick.

An RAF spokesperson said no further details would be provided until completion of the mission. Essex Police confirmed that contact had been lost with the intercepted jet but later determined there were no concerns once communication resumed.

Although Stansted Airport became central to this event, it is equipped for such situations due in part to its proximity to military bases capable of rapid response and because it experiences less air traffic than Heathrow or Gatwick airports. This makes it suitable as London's designated airport for handling potential airborne security threats; Ryanair maintains its largest base here amid mostly short-haul flights.

Ken O'Toole serves as CEO of London Stansted Airport (IATA code STN), which is recognized as London's third busiest airport and often handles low-cost carriers alongside some long-haul services such as those previously operated by Emirates and Air India.