The Mirror — Two fighter jets intercepted a US passenger plane heading for the Middle East just hours after doomed EgyptAir flight MS804 vanished off the radar, according to reports.
The Greek F16 planes were scrambled after a Delta Airlines flight strayed into the country’s airspace over the Mediterranean sea and the pilots failed to identify themselves.
The passenger jet first appeared on radar at 7.10pm but failed to respond to frantic calls from aviation officials.
The F16s were then dispatched at 7.28pm and intercepted the Delta plane seven miles off the popular holiday island of Santorini.
At this point the pilot reportedly identified himself.
It is not known why the crew waited until fighter jets had been dispatched to make contact with officials.
According to the Daily Star a Delta Airlines spokesman said: “While transiting to Greek airspace, the flight crew of Delta flight 8957, a charter operation from Hahn, Germany to Kuwait, was unable to establish radio communications with Greek air traffic control for a short period.
“This occurred during a handoff between air traffic control agencies and communications were expeditiously reestablished.
“At no point did the Boeing 767-400ER leave its planned route of flight.”
