Sonic boom heard across southeast England after RAF intercept

Sonic boom heard across several counties as two RAF Typhoons intercepted a civilian jet that had lost contact with air traffic control.

Sonic boom over Essex after RAF intercept of private jet

Two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had stopped communicating with air traffic control. The intercept occurred over Cambridgeshire on Friday morning, and residents across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent and parts of London reported a loud sonic boom around 11:35 am.

The civilian aircraft, registered in San Marino, was escorted to Stansted Airport after communications were re-established. The RAF said the Typhoons returned to base once the safe landing was confirmed, and Essex Police said there was nothing of concern on the ground.

Incidents like this test how quickly authorities can respond while limiting disruption to people on the ground. The event highlights the trade-off between airspace safety and the noise and fear such booms can cause in nearby communities. It may renew questions about intercept procedures and whether steps could reduce the impact on residents, such as adjusting flight levels or improving real-time coordination with ground authorities.

Highlights

Airspace safety remains essential, even as communities seek clearer updates when drills and emergencies unfold.