Wizz Air flight diverted to Budapest after bomb threat

A Wizz Air flight travelling from London Luton Airport to Sofia was forced to make an emergency landing in Budapest on Monday after a bomb threat was received during the journey. The diversion prompted Hungarian authorities to deploy a Gripen fighter jet to escort the aircraft.

The flight landed safely at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Hungarian authorities carried out security checks on the aircraft and the passengers on board. Police implemented additional security measures while investigations continued.

Airline statement on incident

A Wizz Air spokesperson confirmed the diversion, stating: "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 incident caused significant disruption for passengers travelling from the UK to Bulgaria. Passengers were safely removed from the aircraft while checks were carried out by the relevant authorities. No injuries have been reported as a result of the emergency landing.

Further details

Officials have not released further details regarding the nature of the threat. Inspections of the aircraft and passengers were ongoing after the emergency landing. The outcome of the security operation and any findings from the investigation have not yet been announced. The deployment of a military aircraft highlighted the seriousness with which Hungarian authorities treated the incident.