In brief
Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin‑Szendi confirmed that a Wizz Air flight was diverted to Liszt Ferenc International Airport after a bomb threat. Hungarian Gripen fighter jets scrambled to escort the aircraft, and a NATO air policing ALPHA alert was activated. After landing safely, the jets returned to Kecskemet and police took over ground response.
In Budapest on Monday, a Wizz Air passenger plane was escorted by Hungarian Gripen fighter jets after a bomb threat forced it to divert from its scheduled route between London and Sofia.
The aircraft, which had departed from London early that day, received a bomb threat that prompted airline and air‑traffic operators to stop the flight and request permission from the Hungarian authorities to land at Liszt Ferenc International Airport near the capital. Emergency protocols were activated and the crew was advised to maintain position while ground support awaited clearance.
Upon receiving the request, the Hungarian Defence Ministry activated a NATO air policing ALPHA alert, the highest level of warning for flight‑service operations. Within minutes, Gripen fighter jets based at Kecskemét were scrambled and positioned around the expected flight path. The jets communicated with the aircraft, providing a protective umbrella as the plane approached Budapest’s airspace.
The passenger jet arrived safely at Liszt Ferenc International Airport and was guided to the tarmac by ground controllers. After the aircraft had been secured, the Gripen fighters returned to their home base at Kecskemét. Police units, already in place at the airport to manage the incident, took over all ground response and continued standard security procedures while the aircraft remained on the ground.
Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin‑Szendi confirmed the event on a Facebook post, stating that the country’s air policing protocols were successfully implemented and that the aircraft landed without incident. He also noted that the Grenin aircraft performed the escort operation “with precision and professionalism.” The incident underscores the readiness of Hungary’s air force to respond to sudden security threats in the region.
