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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Why are jet fighters scrambled to escort planes in an emergency?

One of two RAF Typhoon jets that escorted an Air India passenger plane to Stansted after a reported bomb threat last month.
One of two RAF Typhoon jets that escorted an Air India passenger plane to Stansted airport after a reported bomb threat last month. Photograph: Luke Hayes Photography/PA

When an airliner with a suspected bomb on board (or in some other emergency) is escorted to its landing site by a jet fighter, what is the fighter there for?

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• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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