BUDAPEST, Hungary — A Wizz Air flight traveling from London Luton Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, was diverted to Budapest after receiving a bomb threat during the flight, Hungarian and airline officials said.
Wizz Air flight 4302 departed Luton at 08:33 GMT and was en route to Sofia when the threat was received while flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aircraft requested permission to land at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, where a Hungarian Defence Forces Gripen fighter jet escorted the plane to a safe landing at 12:09 local time (11:09 GMT).
Upon landing, Hungarian authorities and Wizz Air personnel conducted security checks on the aircraft and passengers. A Wizz Air spokesperson said the inspection was completed and nothing was found. The airline confirmed the plane would depart again shortly for Sofia.
Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendis confirmed the fighter jet escort, stating that the air defence readiness service had proved itself in a real-life situation. The Gripen jet returned to its base in Kecskemet after the incident, and police took over further measures.
The diversion comes as the flight, originally due to arrive in Sofia at 13:25 local time, was forced to abandon its original route due to the bomb threat. Wizz Air said it was cooperating fully with authorities and that the safety of passengers and crew remained its highest priority.
