- Flight faced a bomb threat before landing.
- Airport forced to suspend all operations immediately.
- Security officials sealed off the aircraft area and halted all flights.
- 166 passengers were kept onboard during emergency checks.
- Investigations are ongoing as authorities try to establish the source and credibility of the threat.
A Ryanair aircraft that took off from Porto, Portugal, was urgently grounded at Brussels South Charleroi Airport on Tuesday morning after reports of a bomb threat while it was still mid-air.
The flight landed safely but triggered instant security reactions, bringing all airport activity to a standstill as officials moved fast to handle the situation.
Charleroi Airport Operations Suspended Instantly
Airport authorities confirmed that the alarm was raised just before 11 a.m., prompting them to take quick action. A 500-metre safety perimeter was set up around the plane, leading to the temporary closure of the runway.
Both incoming and outgoing flights were suspended as the emergency response team arrived on the scene.
Passengers Held Onboard During Security Sweeps
The plane, which was carrying 166 people, was towed to a distant corner of the airfield where security officers and bomb experts launched a thorough inspection.
Passengers were not allowed to disembark immediately and were instead instructed to remain seated until police declared it safe.
Airport Speaks on Calm Timing and Response
Speaking to local media, Nathalie Pierard, the airport’s spokesperson, explained that although the threat caused a major interruption, it came during a less busy period, which helped reduce wider impact.
“The police are in control of the situation, and passengers will leave the aircraft only when it is cleared as safe,” she said.
Ryanair’s Hub Under Investigation
Charleroi Airport, a crucial base for Ryanair’s European routes, continues to experience delays as investigations go on. The airport is located just south of Brussels and is a key travel point for low-cost flights across the continent.
Officials are yet to confirm the seriousness or origin of the threat, but they assured the public that updates will be shared once available.
