BUDAPEST- Wizz Air (W6) diverted an Airbus A321neo operating from London Luton Airport (LTN) to Sofia Airport (SOF) to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) on Monday, November 2, 2026, after receiving a b*mb threat during the flight.
The aircraft turned back over Bosnia and Herzegovina and landed safely in Budapest at 12:08 p.m. local time. A Hungarian Gripen fighter jet escorted the aircraft after NATO’s air-defence readiness service issued an ALPHA alert.
Hungarian Gripen Scrambled After Wizz Air B*mb Threat
The Wizz Air Airbus A321neo was flying from London to Sofia when the crew received a b*mb threat. The aircraft subsequently changed course over Bosnia and Herzegovina and requested permission to land at Budapest Airport.
Hungarian authorities responded by scrambling a Gripen fighter jet to escort the passenger aircraft through Hungarian airspace. The response followed an ALPHA alert issued by NATO’s air-defence readiness service.
Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi confirmed that the Hungarian Defence Forces deployed the fighter jet within minutes of receiving the alert. The aircraft supported the passenger plane’s safe approach and landing at Budapest Airport.
The minister said the incident demonstrated the readiness of Hungary’s air-defence personnel to respond to potential threats. He also confirmed that the Gripen returned to its base in Kecskemét after completing the escort mission, while police took responsibility for the subsequent security measures.
Wizz Air A321neo Lands Safely at Budapest Airport
The Airbus A321neo touched down on Runway 2 at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 12:08 p.m. on November 2.
Following the landing, the aircraft taxied to designated parking stand B5, where emergency response teams were waiting. Firefighters, police officers and counter-terrorism personnel attended the aircraft to support the security response.
Authorities began inspecting the aircraft and passengers in accordance with established security procedures. The inspection aimed to assess the reported threat and ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Wizz Air confirmed that the aircraft had landed safely and that the diversion followed a b*mb threat received during the flight. The airline also confirmed that it was cooperating with the relevant authorities during the investigation.
Budapest Airport Closes Runway 2 During Security Response
The incident temporarily disrupted operations at Budapest Airport, as authorities closed Runway 2 while emergency services handled the situation.
During the closure, all arriving and departing aircraft used the airport’s remaining operational runway. The measure allowed emergency personnel to manage the aircraft and conduct the necessary security procedures without using the affected runway.
The temporary closure did not mean that the entire airport had stopped operating. Other flight movements continued using the available runway while authorities dealt with the incident.
Wizz Air Confirms Cooperation With Authorities
A Wizz Air spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft had landed safely and that the airline was working with the authorities.
The airline said:
“Wizz Air is fully cooperating with the authorities and the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.”
Wizz Air also confirmed that authorities would carry out the required security inspections of the aircraft and passengers after landing.
At the time of the initial reports, the security inspection was still underway. No final findings about the threat or its origin had been publicly disclosed.
Hungarian Defence Minister Praises Air Defence Response
Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi also addressed the incident through a Facebook statement.
He confirmed that NATO’s air-defence readiness service had issued an ALPHA alert, prompting the Hungarian Gripen to take off within minutes and support the passenger aircraft’s landing.
The minister praised the personnel involved and highlighted their responsibility to protect Hungarian airspace.
He stated that the fighter jet returned to its Kecskemét base after the operation, while the police assumed responsibility for the follow-up measures at the airport.
The incident highlighted the coordination between Hungary’s military and civilian emergency services when responding to a potential threat involving a passenger aircraft.
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