WATCH: RAF Typhoons intercept 'unresponsive' airliner – armed police rush to Brit airport

THIS is the moment an unresponsive airliner was forced to make an emergency landing at an airport in Scotland.

By Henry Holloway       

Four fighter jets hunted down the aircraft after authorities reported all contact had been lost with the Airbus 320.

The Volaris XA-VLX flight, which was en route from France to Iceland, was escorted through the skies by the RAF to Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

A sonic boom was heard over the highlands as the Typhoons were deployed to the scene at supersonic speed.

RAF INTERCEPT: Air traffic controllers could not contact the 'unresponsive' plane

Roads were closed around the airport as the jet made its approach before making an emergency landing.

Armed cops from Police Scotland rushed to the scene to meet the plane on the tarmac.

Volaris is a Mexican budget airline based in Santa Fe.

RAF TYPHOONS: Four of the jets were reportedly scrambled after contact was lost

 

These dramatic air-to-air images show British and French jets practising their dog-fighting skills in the skies above northern England. State-of-the-art RAF Typhoons and French Air Force (FAF) Mirages took to the air together as part of Exercise Capable Eagle

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RAF & FAF fighter jest practise over northern England (Photo: SGT Ralph Merry/Crown Copyright 2013)                 

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."
Intial reports suggested there were "hundreds of passengers"on board, but it has now been confirmed the flight was on a delivery run.

VOLARIS AIRBUS: The Mexican aircraft was flying from France to Iceland when contact was lost

A Police Scotland spokesman 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."

EMERGENCY LANDING: Police shut down roads around the Glasgow Prestwick Airport

A Prestwick Airport spokesperson 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."

The airport later confirmed they are back in operation and the runways have reopened.