Hungarian Fighter Jet Escorts London–Sofia Flight to Budapest Following Bomb Threat

A Hungarian Gripen fighter jet escorted a passenger aircraft to its landing at Budapest Airport following a bomb threat, Hungary's Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi said on Facebook today, according to the Hungarian national news agency MTI.

Ruszin-Szendi said that a Wizz Air flight travelling from London to Sofia had received a bomb threat. The aircraft deviated from its original route and requested permission to land at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

NATO's air defence alert service issued an order for an immediate scramble, and a Gripen fighter jet belonging to the Hungarian armed forces took off within minutes and escorted the passenger aircraft until it landed in Budapest, the minister said.

The fighter jet subsequently returned to its base in Kecskemét, while the police took charge of the further security measures, Ruszin-Szendi said.

The airline confirmed in a statement to the media that the flight had been diverted to Budapest following a bomb threat.

Photos: Faik Shabanov

“The aircraft changed its route and landed safely at Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, in accordance with the applicable security protocols and procedures. After landing, it taxied to a designated stand, where the competent authorities carried out the necessary security checks on the aircraft and passengers.

Wizz Air is providing full cooperation to the competent authorities. The airline confirms that all security checks have been completed successfully and no threats were identified. The flight is currently being prepared to continue its journey to Sofia.”

Following the checks, the aircraft took off for Sofia.