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Fighter jet escorts Wizz Air flight from London after bomb threat as plane makes emergency landing
A Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia diverted to Budapest on Monday after a bomb threat was reported during the journey. A Hungarian Gripen fighter jet escorted the aircraft, which landed safely; the incident prompted security checks and additional police measures.
The Airbus A321 took off shortly after 8.30am and turned back over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hungary’s defence minister said the fighter jet was deployed within minutes. Wizz Air said authorities inspected the aircraft and passengers at Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport, and that it was co-operating with them.
In short
- A bomb threat diverted a Wizz Air flight to Budapest.
- A Hungarian Gripen escorted the plane to a safe landing.
- Authorities carried out security checks on the aircraft and passengers.
Explained simply
Wizz Air is a low-cost airline based in Hungary that operates flights across Europe. London Luton is one of the airports serving the London area, while Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital.
When a possible security threat is reported on a flight, the crew and authorities may change its route and arrange checks after landing. Hungary’s air force operates Gripen fighter jets, which can be sent to monitor or escort aircraft in its airspace. These measures involve the airline, airport and national authorities, whose checks are intended to establish whether there is a risk to passengers and crew.