The aircraft was en route to Dalaman in Turkey when it was turned round and sent back. Video footage and accounts from other passengers, reported by The Mirror, suggest the woman may have attempted to open one of the aircraft’s doors mid-flight.

Residents across parts of Essex reported hearing a sonic boom at around 6.40pm when the two fighter jets were scrambled as a precaution.

A Jet2 spokesperson said it was aware of an incident involving an “extremely disruptive passenger” on a flight from Stansted to Dalaman.

“The aircraft returned safely, and we are liaising with the relevant authorities to support their investigation,” they said, adding passengers would be on their way to their destinations via alternative means “as soon as possible”.

An Essex Police spokesperson added: “We were made aware of a disruptive passenger on an inbound flight to Stansted this evening [22 June].

“There is a possibility residents nearby may have heard a loud noise, often associated with a sonic boom, as the aircraft descended into Stansted airspace.

“Officers attended and arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of two assaults and endangering an aircraft. She remains in custody.”