OMM Newsroom
A “Wizz Air” flight from London to Sofia was diverted to Budapest after a bomb threat was received during the flight, Hungarian authorities and the airline confirmed Monday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The aircraft, operating the London Luton–Sofia route, landed safely at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport after being escorted by a Hungarian Gripen fighter jet, Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi said in a social media post.
Ruszin-Szendi said the fighter jet was deployed “within minutes” to escort the aircraft and ensure it landed safely in the Hungarian capital.
“Wizz Air” said the aircraft landed in Budapest in line with security protocols and procedures, then taxied to a designated stand, where authorities began security checks on the aircraft and passengers.
“Wizz Air confirms that today’s London Luton–Sofia flight was diverted to Budapest following a bomb threat received during the flight,” an airline spokesperson said in a statement.
“Wizz Air is cooperating fully with the authorities. The safety of passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the statement added.
Hungarian police also introduced additional security measures after the aircraft landed, Ruszin-Szendi said.
According to flight-tracking website “Flightradar24”, the aircraft took off from London Luton at 8.33 am local time (0833 GMT) and was scheduled to arrive in Sofia at around 1.25 pm local time (1125 GMT).
Flight-tracking data showed the “Airbus” A321 diverting toward Hungary while flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Authorities were carrying out inspections at Budapest airport following the incident.
