Sonic boom heard as RAF fighter jets intercept plane
People across parts of Essex reported hearing a loud bang after the jets were authorised to travel at supersonic speed
Last updated 15th Aug 2025
A sonic boom was heard across parts of southern England after RAF fighter jets were sent to intercept a civilian plane.
Three Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Friday morning to investigate the aircraft, which was not in contact with air traffic control.
The plane, which had been travelling from Nice in the south of France, was escorted to Stansted Airport after it was established there was nothing of concern.
People across parts of Essex reported hearing a loud bang after the jets were authorised to travel at supersonic speed.
A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: "We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched today to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in contact with air traffic control, communications were re-established and the aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted."
Essex Police said: "A flight has been escorted into Stansted Airport after it lost contact with the ground.
"We were called at around 11.40am today.
"Contact was re-established with the plane, which had been travelling from Nice, and was escorted into the airport by RAF aircraft.
"On the ground our officers determined there was nothing of concern."
A sonic boom is caused when planes fly faster than the speed of sound, which at ground level is about 761mph.
The aircraft displaces the air and creates pressure waves that become compressed and are then released in a shockwave.
An aircraft flying at 20,000ft would create a sonic boom cone 20 miles wide.