Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia diverted to Budapest after bomb threat

A Wizz Air passenger aircraft en route from London Luton to Sofia was diverted to Budapest after a bomb threat was received during the flight, Hungarian authorities said. A Hungarian Gripen fighter jet escorted the airliner to a safe landing at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

Hungary activated NATO air-defence procedures

Hungary's Minister of Defence, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, confirmed that emergency air-defence procedures linked to NATO were activated following the threat. He said an order for an immediate scramble was issued and a Hungarian Gripen took off within minutes to accompany the passenger jet to the airport.

Wizz Air confirmed the diversion, saying the flight from London Luton to Sofia was redirected "after a bomb threat received during the flight." The company said the aircraft landed safely and was then moved to a designated location so authorities could carry out security checks on the aircraft and passengers.

In its statement the airline added: "The aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport in accordance with relevant security protocols and procedures, before being moved to a designated area where the competent authorities carried out the necessary security checks on the aircraft and passengers."

"Wizz Air is fully cooperating with the authorities. The safety of passengers and crew remains our highest priority," the carrier said.

Local airport and law-enforcement teams conducted the security inspections after the landing. There was no immediate public report on whether any suspicious items were found or whether any arrests were made.

Photo: press material from the event