Manchester bound Qatar jet in mid air drama over the UK

A Qatar Boeing 777 aircraft (QR23) from Doha was near Manchester when 2 RAF Typhoon Jets were seen flying alongside it on 24 July 2026.

It was initially reported that the flight had lost communications which is why both RAF fighter jets were sent to investigate however we have updated information suggesting a young teenage boy is assisting police with their inquiries after a hoax threat was made to the aircraft.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) had received the threat at around 6pm which was passed on to Manchester Airport, Greater Manchester Police and the RAF.

Both fighter jets were dispatched from RAF Coningsby after understandable concerns, both jets turned away after contact was made and the captain of the Qatar aircraft gave the all clear and shortly after it landed safely.

Police are currently talking with a teenage boy from the Bolton area about the incident.