A Wizz Air passenger flight from London to Sofia was escorted by a Hungarian Gripen fighter jet and diverted to Budapest after a bomb threat was received during the journey.
The Airbus A321 departed London Luton shortly after 8.30am on Monday. It later turned back over Bosnia and Herzegovina before landing at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
Hungary’s defence minister, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, said the fighter had been scrambled within minutes to escort the aircraft and help ensure its safe landing.
“Our soldiers have once again proven that they can be deployed immediately if necessary and can guarantee the security of Hungary’s airspace,” he said.
After landing, the aircraft taxied to a designated stand, where authorities carried out security checks on the plane and passengers. Police also took additional measures following the incident.
Wizz Air later said that nothing suspicious had been found during the inspection.
“Wizz Air confirms that today’s London Luton–Sofia flight was diverted to Budapest following a bomb threat received during the flight,” the airline said.
“The aircraft diverted and landed safely at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport in accordance with the relevant security protocols and procedures, before taxiing to a designated stand, where the relevant authorities carried out the necessary security checks on the aircraft and passengers.”
The airline added: “Wizz Air is co-operating fully with the authorities. The safety of passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
The flight had been due to arrive in Sofia at about 1.25pm local time. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft diverting towards Hungary while over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
