Russian Bombers Interrupt Commercial Flights in Irish Airspace - Reports

Services of several commercial aircraft were interrupted by two Russian bombers that flew just off the coast of Ireland, according to the Irish Examiner.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Services of several commercial aircraft were interrupted due to proximity with two Russian bombers in Irish-controlled airspace, Irish Examiner newspaper reported.

According to the media outlet's Tuesday report, the incident took place February 18, when two Tu-95 bombers flew 40 km off the coast and caused one commercial aircraft to be diverted and the other to be prevented from taking off.

The newspaper cites a statement by Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), who said that "the Russian military aircraft did not have their transponders switched on at the time."

The bombers travelled towards the British airspace, Royal Air Force Typhoon jets met them, the newspaper reported.

Last month, a spokesman for British Ministry of Defense said that the Royal Air Force jets were scrambled to escort two Russian Tupolev Tu-95 (Bear) bombers. The bombers, however, were flying in international airspace, without entering into British airspace.

In recent months, a number of NATO members have expressed concern over Russia's alleged violations of their airspace. The Russian Ministry of Defense has denied the claims, stating that the Russian Air Force's flights are in compliance with international agreements.