RAF jets scrambled to escort 'unresponsive' Mexican passenger plane to Prestwick airport

Two RAF fighter jets were scrambled to escort an 'unresponsive' Mexican passenger plane after it lost contact with air traffic control.

The plane made an emergency landing under military escort at Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire at around 4pm on Friday (28 October).

The Typhoon jets were deployed from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to identify the civilian aircraft. Sky News reports the RAF confirmed that the Typhoons were cleared to operate at supersonic speed.

The new Airbus 320 operated by Volaris, was travelling from the French manufacturing base in Toulouse in France to Iceland with seven crew members on board, but no passengers.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman 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."

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."

Flights from Glasgow Airport were delayed during the incident. A spokeswoman for Glasgow Prestwick Airport said: "We can confirm that an aircraft has been diverted to Glasgow Prestwick Airport following a temporary loss of communications.

"Some roads surrounding the airport have been closed as a precautionary measure. This is an ongoing Police Scotland incident."

Social media users reported a large police presence at the scene.