A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Murcia was met by emergency services after a bomb threat was reported on board, prompting the evacuation of all 114 passengers and seven crew members for security checks.
The aircraft, travelling from Manchester Airport to Murcia, landed at the Spanish airport just after 10.30am local time on Tuesday (November 3), where officers, firefighters and bomb disposal specialists were waiting. All passengers and crew were removed from the plane and subjected to security screenings while authorities began a thorough examination of the aircraft.
Security Protocol Activated
Francisco Lucas, Government Delegate in Murcia, confirmed that security measures had been activated following the threat, the Manchester Evening News reported. In a post on X at approximately 10.45am, he stated: "Security protocol activated due to a bomb threat on a flight from Manchester that has landed in Murcia. The 114 passengers and 7 crew members have disembarked and are undergoing a security check. At this time, the aircraft is being inspected."
Emergency responders, including the Civil Guard and National Police, were dispatched to the scene along with bomb disposal squads. Fire services also released photographs showing emergency personnel at Murcia International Airport, confirming that two units had been sent following reports of the threat.
No Explosives Found
Spanish news outlet EFE reported that passengers had experienced periods of anxiety following the bomb threat, with an extensive security operation mounted around the aircraft. Authorities subsequently confirmed that no explosives were discovered on board.
In a further statement issued shortly after 12.15pm, Lucas announced that the Civil Guard had concluded its examination and found no evidence of explosives on the aircraft. He posted: "The @guardiacivil has ruled out the presence of explosives on the plane from Manchester following its inspection. The International Airport of the Region of Murcia resumes its activity normally. Thanks to the emergency teams that have participated in the operation."
Normal operations at the airport resumed following the security scare.
Other Incidents Across Europe
The Manchester service is understood to be one of four planes subjected to bomb threats across Europe on Tuesday. Another security incident affected two flights arriving in the Polish capital Warsaw, including a LOT Polish Airlines service from London Heathrow.
The LOT service, carrying 181 people, was en route to Warsaw from Heathrow when it was redirected to Warsaw Modlin Airport instead of its intended destination, Chopin Airport. Flight LO286 left London at around 6.45am and touched down at Modlin at approximately 10am local time (9am GMT) after the threat was received. The plane was a Boeing 737 Max 8. Emergency crews rushed to Modlin Airport, which was then shut down until further notice.
A second plane, run by Scandinavian carrier SAS and flying from Copenhagen, was also hit by a similar bomb threat. The aircraft took off from Copenhagen Airport at approximately 8.15am local time (7.15am GMT) and touched down at Warsaw Chopin Airport roughly an hour afterwards. While Chopin Airport continued operations, the incident disrupted its timetable, with travellers cautioned about possible delays and alterations.
According to The Guardian, services from London, Copenhagen, Manchester and Israel were amongst those subjected to bomb threats on Tuesday. It remains unconfirmed whether any hazardous materials were found on the other planes or if the threats proved to be false alarms.
