Fighter jet scrambled to escort London Wizz Air flight as bomb threat forces emergency landing - The Independent

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A Wizz Air flight from London to Sofia was diverted to Budapest airport on Monday after receiving a bomb threat.

A Hungarian Gripen fighter jet was deployed to escort the passenger aircraft, which landed in Budapest.

Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi confirmed the news in a Facebook post: “The plane received a bomb threat, which forced it to abort its flight, and the landing was secured by a Gripen fighter jet.

“Our soldiers have once again proven that they can be deployed immediately if necessary and are able to guarantee the security of Hungary’s airspace.”

The London to Sofia flight took off at 8.33am this morning and was due to arrive at Sofia at around 1.25pm local time.

Authorities carried out a security inspection of the aircraft and the passengers, Wizz Air told news site 24.hu

The airline confirmed a flight from London to Sofia was diverted due to a bomb threat.

A spokesperson for the company 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."

The Gripen jet returned to its base in Kecskemét after the incident.

Police have carrying out additional measures following the landing, Ruszin-Szendi added.