A bomb threat forced a London-Sofia Wizz Air flight to land in Budapest. Hungarian fighter jets escorted the aircraft as emergency teams secured the airport.NATO's air defence alert system issued an ALPHA alert, prompting Hungarian Gripen fighter jets to take off within minutes.

A Wizz Air passenger flight travelling from London to Sofia was forced to make an emergency landing in Budapest on Monday after receiving a bomb threat, prompting Hungarian fighter jets to scramble and security teams to rush to the airport.The Airbus A321neo was escorted by Hungarian Gripen fighter jets to Budapest's Liszt Ferenc International Airport, where it landed safely at 12:08 pm (local time). Firefighters, police and counter-terrorism personnel were deployed as authorities began security checks.FIGHTER JETS ESCORT AIRCRAFTHungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying the country's air defence system had responded after the threat was reported.According to the minister, NATO's air defence alert system issued an ALPHA alert, prompting Hungarian Gripen fighter jets to take off within minutes.

The military aircraft escorted the passenger plane to Budapest before returning to their base in Kecskemt. The flight had changed course over Bosnia and Herzegovina before requesting permission to land in the Hungarian capital.AIRPORT OPERATIONS AFFECTEDEmergency services were positioned at the airport ahead of the aircraft's arrival.

Following the landing, the plane was moved to stand B5, while Runway 2 was temporarily closed. Incoming and departing flights were redirected to the airport's other runway, according to local reports.

Wizz Air told Hungarian news outlet 24.hu that authorities were carrying out security inspections of the aircraft and passengers. Police also took additional measures after the plane landed, the defence minister said.Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the bomb threat, including whether any suspicious objects were found or whether the warning was considered credible.- Ends