A flight from the French Riviera to North Africa was thrown into chaos and forced into an emergency landing after a passenger's ill-conceived TikTok prank sparked a full-scale security alert.
The Transavia flight HV 6010, travelling from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to Tunis-Carthage International Airport, became the scene of mass panic. The disruption began when a 24-year-old French national of Tunisian descent decided to film a video for the social media platform TikTok.
In a moment of reckless judgement, the passenger jokingly claimed to be in possession of a bomb. The comment, intended for an online audience, was overheard by other travellers who immediately alerted the cabin crew.
The situation escalated rapidly. The pilot followed strict security protocols, declaring an emergency and diverting the flight. French authorities scrambled two Rafale fighter jets from the nearby Orange-Caritat air base to escort the commercial airliner, ensuring its safe passage.
Upon landing at Tunis-Carthage Airport just after 1 pm local time, the scene was one of high tension. The plane was immediately directed to an isolated security zone on the tarmac. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and specialist teams conducted a thorough search of the aircraft. No explosive device was found.
The individual behind the prank was swiftly arrested by Tunisian authorities. He now faces serious legal consequences for his actions, likely to be charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft and spreading false information, which could result in a substantial prison sentence.
This incident highlights the severe real-world repercussions of what some may dismiss as an online joke. A moment seeking viral fame instead caused widespread fear, utilised significant military resources, and disrupted the travel plans of hundreds.
