Fighter jets scrambled after 'bomb threat' on civilian plane en route to Spain
The passenger aircraft, believed to be en route to Lanzarote, declared an emergency after a bomb threat was reported. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to help the aircraft
This morning, Portuguese Air Force F-16 jets sprang into action after receiving reports of a bomb threat aboard a commercial plane traversing their national airspace.
The aircraft, which is believed to have been bound for Lanzarote in Spain, was provided emergency assistance by authorities based at Monte Real Air Base. Two F-16s were deployed swiftly in response to the bomb threat and successfully located the aircraft, as reported by Mirror UK.
Initially set to divert to Faro Airport in southern Portugal, the flight's crew elected to proceed to their intended destination and ultimately made a safe landing at Lanzarote Airport in the Canary Islands.
A statement by a Portuguese Air Force representative detailed: "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."
The statement concluded with details of the handover process, noting, "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. "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."
