TUI flight from UK forced into emergency landing over bomb threat
Bomb threat note sparks mid-air panic
A TUI plane flying from the UK to the Canary Islands made an emergency landing at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on Thursday morning after a bomb threat note was found onboard. The alarming message was discovered in a plane bathroom by crew members while the flight was over Portuguese airspace. The cockpit crew swiftly diverted the aircraft as a precaution.
The plane touched down safely just before 11am, with passengers evacuated quickly and escorted by emergency teams.
Fighter jets scrambled to escort flight
The Portuguese Air Force launched two F-16M fighter jets from Air Base No. 5 in Monte Real to intercept and escort the TUI flight. A spokeswoman confirmed the jets ensured “the safety and good management of national airspace” during the tense operation before handing over to Spanish authorities as the plane entered Spanish airspace.
Thorough search finds no explosives
Following the emergency landing, passengers were asked to identify their checked luggage while bomb disposal experts and specialist police conducted a detailed search of the aircraft. No bomb or explosive device was found. Authorities are now treating the terrifying note as a false alarm.
The incident briefly halted takeoff and landing operations at Lanzarote airport, causing delays to four scheduled flights.
Investigation launched into bomb threat
An urgent investigation is underway to determine how the threatening note ended up in the aircraft bathroom and whether any crew or passengers are involved. TUI has yet to issue an official comment, with MailOnline contacting the airline for a statement.
What we know so far
- Flight: TUI BY6422
- Route: UK to Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- Incident: Bomb threat note found mid-flight
- Response: Emergency landing, fighter jet escort, full aircraft search
- Outcome: No explosives found, investigation ongoing
