A Wizz Air passenger flight bound for Sofia from London was diverted to Budapest after a bomb threat forced officials to take precautionary action, Hungarian Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin‑Szendi said on Monday.
According to a statement by the Hungarian Ministry of Defence, Gripen fighter jets were scrambled from Hungarian air bases to escort the aircraft to the safety measures in place at Budapest’s airport.
The incident was confirmed by the defense minister, who briefed the media on the measures taken to ensure the safety of the flight and the passengers.
Despite the disruption, no security breaches have been reported or any evidence that the aircraft was under direct threat, with the diversion allowing the jet to proceed under close escort to Budapest Airport.
Hungary’s deployment of Gripen fighters for escort duties exemplifies the country’s prompt response to potential threats in the airspace above its borders.
The Ministry of Defense said the fighter jets maintained a protective perimeter around the diverted aircraft throughout its approach to the airport, coordinating closely with airport security and air traffic control to manage the situation safely.
Related press coverage will continue to be monitored by the Hungarian authorities, and additional details about the incident are expected to be released as they become available.
Until further notice, all flight schedules remain unaffected for planes operating between Budapest and other European destinations.
