Sky News reported on the 18th that a planeisrael An Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna suddenly received a bomb threat during the flight and the flight had to make an emergency landing in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Air Force immediately dispatched fighter planes to protect the passenger plane until it landed safely. There are 57 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft. All passengers have been evacuated and officials are conducting security checks.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications said the passenger plane involved was Austrian Airlines flight OS82, an Airbus A320 flying from Tel Aviv to Vienna. However, as it was approaching the Romanian border, the crew reported that a “bomb threat signal” had been received, so they decided to make an emergency landing in Sofia.
According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the passenger plane landed at Sofia Airport at 9:25 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications said there were 51 passengers and 6 crew members on board the plane. In accordance with emergency response procedures, the Bulgarian Air Force dispatched a fighter jet to land the passenger plane and protect it until it landed safely.
After the passenger plane landed, officials immediately set up a response command center, relevant units conducted safety inspections, and all passengers left the cabin. It is unclear the origin or authenticity of the bomb threat and Sky News has contacted Austrian Airlines for comment.
