The flight from Kaunas in Lithuania to Luton was followed by the RAF jets as it diverted to land at Stansted at around 08.55 today (October 4).

But Ryanair said the alert turned out to be a hoax and the passengers have been taken from Stansted to Luton by coach.

“This flight from Kaunas to Luton diverted to Stansted in line with procedures after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert,” said the airline.

“The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so.”

Stansted added in a statement: “The aircraft landed safely with Essex Police in attendance. Flight operations were briefly held while the aircraft landed and taxied to its parking stand. The airport is open and departing as normal.”

Air traffic control organisation NATS confirmed that London airspace did not have to be closed due to the incident.