Austrian Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Sofia after bomb threat

An Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna made an emergency landing in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sunday after a bomb threat was reported. DW, the South China Morning Post, rte.ie, and theliberal.ie all report that the crew made the decision to divert as the aircraft approached the border with Romania. According to DW and rte.ie, the Bulgarian air force scrambled a MiG-29 fighter jet to escort the plane to the airport. [1][2][4][6]

The aircraft, an Airbus A320, landed safely in Sofia. DW reports that there were 51 passengers and six crew members on board. According to rte.ie and theliberal.ie, authorities deplaned and evacuated all passengers from the aircraft after it landed. [1][4][5][6]

The Bulgarian transport ministry confirmed in a statement that the crew transmitted a bomb threat signal near the border with Romania before diverting, DW and rte.ie report. The Daily Mail and Yahoo also note that the airline confirmed a threat was made against the flight. [1][3][4][5]

Austrian Airlines is the flag carrier of Austria and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, operating from its main hub at Vienna International Airport. Tel Aviv, located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline, serves as the economic and technological center of Israel. [12][13][14]