Latest news with #F-16M
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
TUI flight from Cardiff Airport escorted by fighter jets after 'bomb threat note' found in toilet
TUI flight from Cardiff Airport escorted by fighter jets after 'bomb threat note' found in toilet Fighter jets were scrambled to escort the plane travelling from Cardiff to the Canary Islands after the bomb threat, before it made an emergency landing The plane was diverted after a menacing note was found (Image: PA ) A planeload of passengers travelling from Cardiff to Spain were removed from their flight by bomb squad officers. Earlier, fighter jets were scrambled to escort the plane after a threatening note was found in the TUI aircraft's restroom. Spain's Civil Guard was called on Thursday morning (June 19) after a crew member passed the note to the pilot of the Cardiff-Lanzarote TUI flight TOM6422, as it flew over Portugal. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The plane was quickly diverted and landed at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, where it was met by bomb specialists from the GEDEX (Explosives Deactivation Group) as well as a number of other specialised units. A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport told WalesOnline that no concerns or suspicious activity had been raised prior to the plane's departure. Portuguese fighter jets were scrambled following the threat, with the plane escorted to the airport, reports the Mirror. The Guardia Civil's Fiscal and Border Section was called to the scene alongside its investigation teams and security patrols. The Canarian Weekly reported that air traffic controllers acknowledged on social media the passengers were asked to identify their belongings. Article continues below Controllers writing on one X account said: "The plane has been guided with the presence of firefighters to a siding where the passengers have had to identify their luggage." "Landing and takeoff operations have been temporarily interrupted, which has caused some delays." A spokesperson for the Portuguese Air Force said in a statement that two F-16M jets on permanent alert were deployed from Air Base number 5 in Monte Real to intercept and escort the plane. Fighter pilots were required to monitor the situation as the TUI jet passed through Portuguese airspace, escorting it safely to its destination in Lanzarote. The military said: "With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory." "Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real." Despite the full-on response, officials eventually discovered there was no explosive device aboard, and local police have now launched an urgent investigation to determine who wrote the letter found in the bathroom. Sources told La Voz de Lanzarote that the aircraft raised the alarm about a possible bomb, but the alert was ultimately cancelled once it was determined there was no credible threat. While the incident was quickly resolved following the alert on Thursday morning, departures at the Lanzarote airport were delayed as investigators worked at the scene. Article continues below A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport said: "We are aware of an incident involving flight TOM6422 from Cardiff to Lanzarote on 19/06/25. The safety of our passengers is our number one priority. No concerns or suspicious activity were raised prior to departure." Were you on the flight? Contact
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Passengers on TUI flight evacuated after bomb threat note in the toilet
British passengers were forced to evacuate a TUI flight yesterday after a bomb threat was found on board. Cabin crew members found the threatening note inside the toilet on the jet as it flew from Cardiff to the Canary Islands on Thursday morning. They handed the note to the pilots, who then quickly diverted the Flight BY6422 to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport in Lanzarote. Once the plane landed, passengers were rushed off and bomb specialists were called to investigate. They were told to identify their luggage after they disembarked from the jet, according to the Canarian Weekly. No explosive devices were found and the bomb squad confirmed it was a false alarm while four departures at the airport were delayed. Two F-16M jets from Air Base number 5 in Monte Real were also deployed as the note was found while the plane was flying over Portugal, the Portuguese Air Force said in a statement. Air traffic controllers posted on X: 'The plane has been guided with the presence of firefighters to a siding where the passengers have had to identify their luggage. 'Landing and takeoff operations have been temporarily interrupted, which has caused some delays.' A spokesperson for the Portuguese military said: 'With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory. 'Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real.' Authorities are now investigating the incident to find out what happened on the plane. More Trending TUI has been contacted for comment by Metro. In a separate incident, a Ryanair flight crashed into a barrier shortly after landing Kalamata International Airport. The Boeing 737 had landed at the airport on Wednesday morning from London Stansted Airport. Passengers on flight FR6080 reportedly endured 'severe turbulence' during the three-and-a-half-hour flight. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Map shows where Oxford plans UK's first congestion charge in 20 years MORE: Elizabeth line fare dodger caught red handed after evading £1,650 in tickets MORE: Spain's little-known village with 'hanging houses' is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Passengers on TUI flight evacuated after bomb threat note in loo
British passengers were forced to evacuate a TUI flight yesterday after a bomb threat was found on board. Cabin crew members found the threatening note inside the toilet on the jet as it flew from Cardiff to the Canary Islands on Thursday morning. They handed the note to the pilots, who then quickly diverted the Flight BY6422 to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport in Lanzarote. Once the plane landed, passengers were rushed off and bomb specialists were called to investigate. No explosive devices were found and the bomb squad confirmed it was a false alarm while four departures at the airport were delayed. Two F-16M jets from Air Base number 5 in Monte Real were also deployed as the note was found while the plane was flying over Portugal, the Portuguese Air Force said in a statement. Passengers were told to identify their luggage when they got off the plane, according to the Canarian Weekly. Air traffic controllers posted on X: 'The plane has been guided with the presence of firefighters to a siding where the passengers have had to identify their luggage. 'Landing and takeoff operations have been temporarily interrupted, which has caused some delays.' A spokesperson for the Portuguese military said: 'With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory. 'Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real.' Authorities are now investigating the incident to find out what happened on the plane. More Trending TUI has been contacted for comment by Metro. In a separate incident, a Ryanair flight crashed into a barrier shortly after landing Kalamata International Airport. The Boeing 737 had landed at the airport on Wednesday morning from London Stansted Airport. Passengers on flight FR6080 reportedly endured 'severe turbulence' during the three-and-a-half-hour flight. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page.
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
Fighter Jets escort holiday flight to Spain after 'bomb threat'
Portuguese Air Force jets were scrambled to accompany a flight full of holidaymakers bound for Lanzarote after reports of a bomb on board. The action was taken after a 'bomb threat' was reported to the crew on board the jet, causing pilots to request permission to land in Faro, Portugal. A statement from the Portuguese Air Force said: 'This morning, at 9am, the Air Force activated the F-16M alert pair after a civilian aircraft declared a potential bomb threat on board when crossing national airspace, intending to divert to Faro Airport'. A stock image of a F16 fighter jet. Pic: Getty Images The plane was later given permission to travel on to its intended destination of Lanzarote and landed safely and without other incident. The statement from the Portuguese Air Force concluded with 'Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real'. A full investigation is underway as to what caused the alert and who was responsible.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Fighter jets deployed in Portugal after commercial plane declares 'bomb threat'
The plane landed at Lanzarote Airport after receiving help from the Portuguese Air Force. Air force jets were scrambled to the skies this morning in Portugal after a bomb threat was detected on a plane as it crossed national air space. Two fighter jets were sent to help support a commercial plane, believed to be heading to Spain, as it received emergency assistance from the authorities in Monte Real. The air force located the plane after a bomb threat was reported. It was set to divert to Faro Airport, however it managed to land at the intended place, Lanzarote Airport. The Mirror reports that a Portuguese Air Force spokesperson said: "This morning, at 9:00 am, the Air Force activated the F-16M alert pair after a civilian aircraft declared a potential bomb threat on board when crossing national airspace, intending to divert to Faro Airport. "For the mission, two F-16Ms took off from Air Base No. 5, in Monte Real, on permanent alert. With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory. "Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "The Air Force guarantees a permanent alert of F-16M for national air defense, responding to all situations to guarantee national sovereignty and good management and safety of air traffic, in strict compliance with national and international recommendations." This comes after reports suggested the head of the RAF is set to be appointed as the new chief of the British armed forces, according to reports. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton is thought to be in line to be the next Chief of Defence Staff. The position is currently held by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has been in the role since 2021. According to his biography on the Government website, Sir Richard joined the RAF in 1989 as a university cadet, and served as deputy chief of the defence staff from 2019 to 2022. The appointment comes as the Government has pledged to increase defence spending in the UK to 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence from April 2027, with a goal of increasing that to 3% over the next parliament, a timetable which could stretch to 2034. The Ministry of Defence said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.'
