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 A321 airbus was scheduled to land at Sofia Airport at around 1.25pm local time and instead was diverted towards Hungary as was it flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.
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.”
Hungarian authorities confirmed police have been carrying out additional measures following the landing.
The defence minister added: “Hungary’s air defence readiness service has once again proved itself in a real-life situation.
“A Wizz Air flight travelling from London to Sofia received a bomb threat, forcing it to abandon its original route and request permission to land at Budapest’s International Airport.
“Nato’s air defence readiness service issued an ALPHA alert. A Hungarian Defence Forces Gripen fighter jet was airborne within minutes and ensured the passenger aircraft landed safely in Budapest.
“The fighter jet then returned to its base in Kecskemet, while the police took over further measures. Readiness is not a routine, but a responsibility.”
The Gripen jet returned to its base in Kecskemet after the incident.
Police have been carrying out additional measures following the landing, Ruszin-Szendi added.
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