Teen Arrested After Fighter Jet Escorts EasyJet Flight in Spanish Airspace
Jet Drama Over Menorca
An 18-year-old travelling with five friends was hauled in by Spain’s Civil Guard after an F-18 fighter jet intercepted an EasyJet flight over Menorca. The teenager spent the night in jail and now faces a court hearing.
Fighter Jet Shows Off Wings
Shocking video shows the F-18 jet flying dangerously close to the EasyJet A-319 plane, which can carry up to 150 passengers. The military jet waggled its wings, signalling the EasyJet pilot to follow. On board, worried passengers whispered nervously, with one woman asking, “Why is it doing that, is it just showing off?”
Security Scare Causes Chaos
Military jets usually escort civilian planes when air traffic control loses contact or a threat is suspected—bomb scares, suspicious objects, or terrorism. Flight EZY8303 had taken off from London Gatwick" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">London Gatwick at 1pm and landed safely in Menorca just before 5pm.
Upon landing, the plane was directed to a secure area. The teenager was promptly arrested, while bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs combed through passenger luggage for two tense hours.
Delays Hit Other Flights
The Civil Guard confirmed that the incident caused delays to other departures from Menorca airport. An EasyJet spokesperson said the military escort and security checks delayed disembarkation but declined further comment.
“The safety and security of its passengers and crew is always easyJet’s top priority, and we appreciate passengers’ patience,” the spokesman said.
