RAF Typhoons intercept SAS flight en route from Oslo to Manchester: a communication loss mystery

RAF Typhoon fighters are operated by EI-SIU. Based on information from Planespotters.net, EI-SIU is an Airbus A320neo that's just over a year old, delivered to the airline in November 2022 as part of a partnership with the Connect company.

Connect company owns 29 A320neo series aircraft, which are all in active service. The average age of the fleet is 2.6 years.

Today, aircraft SAS SK4609 departed from Oslo at 10:19 Greenwich Time and was travelling in a south-westerly direction towards Manchester.

Aviationsourcenews.com reported that upon reaching the vicinity of Newcastle, the plane made a single loop around the area, where it was intercepted by RAF Typhoon fighters. Two RAF fighters reportedly escorted the flight to Manchester, where the plane landed safely.

As of now, the reason behind the interception remains unclear as the plane did not trigger the general emergency code 7700 at any point during the flight.

Investigations into why the SAS aircraft was intercepted by RAF Typhoons are ongoing.

An airport representative confirmed that the SAS plane "lost communication" en route to Manchester. Typhoon fighters were dispatched to escort it to a safe landing in accordance with "standard procedures", reports the Manchester Evening News.

The plane landed safely and communication was re-established.