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A TUI flight from the UK to the Canary Islands was forced to make an emergency landing at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on Thursday morning after a bomb threat note was discovered onboard, prompting fighter jets to be scrambled and security units to meet the aircraft on arrival.
Threatening note found mid-flight
The threatening message was reportedly found in a bathroom by a crew member aboard TUI Flight BY6422, as it was flying over Portuguese airspace. The note was immediately handed to the cockpit crew, who opted to divert the aircraft as a precautionary measure.
The plane made a controlled landing shortly before 11am, with all passengers evacuated swiftly and guided by emergency services on the ground.
Fighter jets intercept flight
The Portuguese Air Force confirmed that two F-16M fighter jets were launched from Air Base No. 5 in Monte Real to intercept and escort the TUI aircraft to safety.
A spokesperson said the jets ensured “the safety and good management of national airspace” during the tense operation, before responsibility was handed over to Spanish authorities once the aircraft exited Portuguese airspace.
Passengers and bags screened
Upon landing, passengers were directed to identify their checked luggage while bomb disposal and specialist police units boarded the aircraft to conduct a thorough search. No explosive device was found, and the threat is now being treated as a false alarm.
According to Spanish aviation authorities, the incident briefly suspended landing and takeoff operations, delaying four scheduled flights.
Investigation launched
An urgent investigation is underway into how the note came to be placed in the lavatory and whether any passengers or crew may be linked to the incident.
TUI has yet to comment on the incident, and MailOnline has contacted the airline for an official statement.
What we know so far:
- Flight: TUI BY6422
- Route: UK to Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
- Incident: Bomb threat note found in aircraft bathroom
- Action Taken: Emergency landing, fighter jet escort, aircraft search
- Outcome: No explosives found; investigation ongoing
