German fighter jets 'intercept packed BA flight' after pilots go silent, and a probe asks if they fell ASLEEP

Flight BA899, en route from Cyprus to Heathrow, was unreachable by air traffic controllers on both its primary and backup frequencies for roughly 30 minutes while cruising at 34,000ft, triggering fears of a terrorist incident. German Eurofighter Typhoons were scrambled to pull alongside and check the cockpit before shepherding the aircraft to the German border. British Airways says all correct procedures were followed and has launched an internal review.

The BA pilots asked the fighters to stay behind them so passengers would not get worried.

One source summed up the inspection: 'No terrorism, just perhaps sleeping pilots.'

The captain and first officer, said to be 'pretty embarrassed', are still flying for BA.