London to Sofia flight diverted to Budapest after bomb threat

A Wizz Air flight travelling from London to Sofia was diverted to Budapest on Monday following a bomb threat, prompting Hungarian authorities to deploy a fighter jet to escort the aircraft to safety.

The Airbus A321neo had departed London Luton Airport at 8:33am and was scheduled to arrive at Sofia International Airport, Bulgaria, at about 1:25pm local time. However, the reported threat forced the aircraft to change course towards Hungary.

Hungary’s Defence Minister, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, said a Gripen fighter jet was dispatched within minutes to accompany the passenger aircraft and ensure its safe landing in Budapest.

According to information reported by Sky News on Monday, the aircraft touched down at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport at 12:08pm.

Wizz Air confirmed the diversion in a statement published on its website and social media platforms, explaining that the bomb threat was received while the aircraft was airborne.

“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 airline said.

The carrier added that security officials were examining the aircraft at the Budapest airport, while Hungarian police had introduced additional security measures following its arrival.

As of Monday afternoon, authorities had not disclosed further information about the threat, including its source or whether any suspicious items had been found during the checks.

Sky News also reported that it was not immediately known whether the warning had been communicated from inside the aircraft or by someone on the ground. It was equally unclear whether passengers and crew members had left the plane.

Data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 showed that the aircraft was initially scheduled to land in Sofia at approximately 1:25pm local time before its route was redirected towards Hungary over Bosnia and Herzegovina.