Sofia, October 19, 2026: An Austrian Airlines flight travelling from Tel Aviv to Vienna made an emergency landing in Sofia, Bulgaria, after a bomb threat was reported during the journey.
Flight OS82, operated using an Airbus A320, was carrying 51 passengers and six crew members when the crew received the threat near the Romanian border on Sunday evening. The aircraft landed safely in the Bulgarian capital, and no injuries were reported.
Austrian Airlines Flight Diverted to Sofia
The aircraft had departed from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and was heading towards Vienna when the crew became aware of a security threat.
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport said the crew reported a bomb-threat signal while the aircraft was near the Romanian border and decided to divert to Sofia as a precaution.
57 People Were On Board
There were 57 people aboard the flight, including 51 passengers and six crew members.
The plane landed safely at Sofia airport, after which passengers were taken off the aircraft while security teams carried out checks. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Bulgarian Fighter Jet Escorted Aircraft
The security response also involved the Bulgarian Air Force.
A MiG-29 fighter jet was deployed to escort the Austrian Airlines aircraft until it landed safely in Sofia, according to Bulgarian authorities.
Aircraft Issued General Emergency Signal
Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft transmitted squawk code 7700 around the time of the diversion.
The code is used by aircraft to indicate a general emergency and alerts air-traffic controllers to give the flight priority assistance.
The plane then changed course and headed towards Sofia instead of continuing to Vienna.
Security Teams Search Aircraft
After the emergency landing, security authorities carried out a detailed inspection of the aircraft.
Austrian Airlines said the aircraft would be searched and arrangements would be made for passengers to continue their journey once security procedures had been completed.
No Threat Found After Security Checks
Subsequent searches of the aircraft, passengers and crew did not uncover any actual security threat.
Austrian Airlines later confirmed that nothing dangerous had been found during the inspection, allowing the aircraft to resume its journey.
Flight Later Continued to Vienna
Following completion of the security checks, flight OS82 resumed its journey from Sofia to Vienna later on Sunday night.
Reports said all 51 passengers remained on board for the onward flight after authorities determined that there was no continuing danger.
Authorities Investigate Source of Threat
Bulgarian authorities launched an investigation to determine the origin and circumstances of the bomb threat.
A crisis response team involving the relevant security and aviation institutions was established following the emergency landing.
Authorities have not publicly identified who made the threat or explained what may have motivated it.
Incident Raises Aviation Security Concerns
The incident comes amid heightened aviation security concerns involving flights operating to and from Israel.
It follows a separate serious incident in September involving a flydubai aircraft bound for Tel Aviv, which was diverted after an alleged attempt by a co-pilot to take control of the plane.
While the Austrian Airlines incident ended safely and no explosive device was found, it prompted a significant security response involving aviation authorities, police and the Bulgarian Air Force.
Passengers Safe as Investigation Continues
All passengers and crew were reported safe following the diversion and subsequent security checks.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the threat and determine how it was communicated to the aircraft.
The incident ended without casualties, and the flight was ultimately able to continue to its original destination in Vienna.
Source: Reuters, AP, Austrian Airlines, Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times
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