Watch: Spanish fighter intercepts easyJet flight after bomb hoax

A video circulating online shows a Spanish fighter jet flying alongside an easyJet airliner, following a bomb hoax.

The F-18 aircraft intercepted and reportedly escorted the A-319 London Gatwick to Menorca flight to its destination, after what reports suggest was a bomb threat posted to social media by a teenage British passenger on board.

The passenger was apparently travelling with friends and spent the night in jail, now awaiting a court hearing, said a Spanish police spokesperson. 

Following the drama in the air, the easyJet flight landed safely in Menorca, in the Balearic Islands, about 30 minutes late, and was escorted to a security area.

Military planes usually intercept civilian aircraft when air traffic control loses contact or there is a perceived threat to the aircraft or passengers because of a bomb warning, suspicious object or feared terrorist activity.

An Easyjet spokesman confirmed the flight was escorted by a military aircraft and there was a delayed disembarking due to precautionary security checks but did not give further details.

"The safety and security of its passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority and we would like to thank passengers for their understanding," he said.