Doctor Who, BBC One, 7 November 2015

Complaint:

We received complaints from viewers who felt that scenes showing the destruction of an aeroplane were inappropriate in light of recent events.

Response:

We’re aware that elements of drama programmes can sometimes bring to mind real events, and we always think very carefully about this.

In this case, though, the story was presented as a science fiction fantasy, far removed from the real world.  The episode didn’t depict a passenger-carrying commercial airliner - it was a military aircraft on official business - and both the Doctor and his companion survived. 

With this in mind we didn’t feel the scenes would be outside of most viewers’ expectations for the programme, but we appreciate the differing feedback we’ve received.