A bomb threat on a Ryanair flight has forced authorities to shut down operations at Charleroi Airport in Belgium today.
Shortly before 11:00am local time (9:00am GMT), a bomb threat was triggered onboard an aircraft that had just landed from Porto, Portugal, prompting an immediate security response.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed:
“A security perimeter was established around the aircraft, requiring the closure of the runway and the suspension of operations.”
The aircraft is currently surrounded by emergency personnel as bomb disposal experts and aviation security teams assess the situation. Passengers have not been evacuated yet, according to local outlet RTL.
Airport on Lockdown
Charleroi Airport, located south of Brussels, is Belgium’s second largest airport and serves as a key hub for low-cost carrier Ryanair. All incoming and outgoing flights have been suspended as of midday.
Images from the scene show a Ryanair plane isolated on the tarmac, with a heavy security presence and ground services halted.
“The relevant authorities have taken over,” the airport spokesperson added, confirming that Belgian national security and aviation officials are now managing the threat.
Context
This is the latest in a string of recent flight-related security incidents across Europe, though no confirmed explosive device has yet been discovered in this case.
Further updates will follow as authorities investigate the nature of the threat and determine the next steps for the passengers and crew onboard.
