A Wizz Air flight travelling from London Luton Airport to Sofia was forced to make an emergency landing in Budapest after a bomb threat was received during the flight.
The aircraft was diverted to the Hungarian capital on Monday, prompting the deployment of a Hungarian Gripen fighter jet to escort the plane to safety, according to Hungary's Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi.
Security checks after landing
The flight landed safely at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, where authorities carried out security checks on both the aircraft and those on board, LBC reports.
Officials said police had implemented additional security measures following the landing while investigations continued.
The incident caused significant disruption to the journey from the UK to Bulgaria, with passengers facing an unscheduled stop in Hungary as emergency procedures were enacted.
Airline statement
A Wizz Air spokesperson confirmed the aircraft was diverted after a threat was received during the flight.
The airline said: "Wizz Air confirms that today's London Luton-Sofia flight was diverted to Budapest following a bomb threat received during the flight."
"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."
"Wizz Air is cooperating fully with the authorities. The safety of passengers and crew remains our highest priority."
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not released further details about the nature of the threat, and inspections of the aircraft and passengers were ongoing after the emergency landing.
The deployment of a military aircraft underlined the seriousness with which Hungarian authorities treated the incident, with security services responding swiftly after the alert was received.
No injuries have been reported.
The diversion comes amid heightened aviation security procedures across Europe, with airlines required to follow strict protocols whenever a potential threat is reported during a flight.
Passengers were safely removed from the aircraft following its arrival in Budapest while checks were carried out by the relevant authorities.
The outcome of the security operation and any findings from the investigation have not yet been announced.
