Wizz Air flight from London diverted to Budapest after mid-air bomb threat

A Wizz Air passenger flight travelling from London Luton Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, was forced to make an emergency diversion and land in Budapest on Monday following a bomb threat received during the flight. The aircraft was escorted by a Hungarian Gripen fighter jet after NATO air defence systems issued an emergency scramble order.

The flight, operating from London Luton to Sofia, departed at approximately 08:33 GMT and was scheduled to arrive in the Bulgarian capital at around 13:25 local time. However, while flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the crew received a bomb threat, prompting an immediate diversion towards Hungary.

The aircraft requested permission to land at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport and touched down safely at approximately 12:08–12:09 local time.

Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi confirmed the incident in a social media statement, saying NATO's air defence readiness service had issued an ALPHA scramble order following the threat. A Hungarian Defence Forces Gripen fighter jet took off within minutes and escorted the passenger aircraft during its approach and landing in Budapest before returning to its base in Kecskemét.

Firefighters, police and counter-terrorism personnel were placed on standby at Budapest Airport as the Airbus A321neo arrived. One runway was temporarily closed during the operation, while other airport traffic was redirected.

Following the landing, authorities carried out detailed security checks of the aircraft and passengers. The plane was reportedly parked at designated bay B5 while the inspection was conducted.

Authorities subsequently confirmed that the security inspection had been completed and no suspicious items were found. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

The incident triggered a temporary disruption at Budapest Airport and prompted a rapid military response under NATO air defence arrangements. Police are continuing investigations into the origin of the bomb threat.