A Wizz Air flight travelling from London to Sofia was diverted from its planned route and forced to make an emergency landing at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Monday after a bomb threat. The Airbus A321neo changed course towards Budapest while flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina and touched down safely on runway two shortly after midday.
Emergency Response and Fighter Jet Escort
A Hungarian Gripen fighter jet was scrambled to escort the aircraft after NATO's air defence readiness service issued an ALPHA alert. Firefighters, police and counter-terrorism officers were all on standby at the airport as the plane came in to land.
Hungarian outlet Index reported that the plane touched down at 12.08pm before being parked in bay B5, where emergency services were in attendance. Authorities are carrying out a security inspection of the aircraft and its passengers, Wizz Air told Hungarian news outlet 24.hu.
Airline Statement and Runway Closure
A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that the plane had landed safely, adding: "Wizz Air is fully cooperating with the authorities and the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority."
Runway two was closed while authorities dealt with the incident, with all other arriving and departing flights redirected to the airport's remaining runway. A report cited by Index stated: "Runway two is closed, all arriving and departing traffic is using the other runway. The flight was escorted in Hungarian airspace by Gripens of the Hungarian Defense Forces in accordance with the applicable regulations."
Defence Minister's Response
Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi also responded to the bomb threat on Facebook, declaring that the country's air defence readiness service had "once again proven itself in a critical situation". He said: "The NATO air defense readiness service issued an ALPHA alert. The Hungarian Air Force's Gripen aircraft took to the air within minutes and ensured the landing of the passenger aircraft in Budapest."
Mr Ruszin-Szendi confirmed that the fighter jets subsequently returned to their base in Kecskemét, with police stepping in to handle the measures that followed. He added: "Readiness is not a routine, but a responsibility. Our soldiers have once again proven that they are immediately available in case of need and are able to guarantee the safety of Hungary's airspace."
