Ryanair 'bomb threat' forces flight to make emergency landing as runway closed

A Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a "bomb threat" was made, with passengers ordered to stay aboard the plane as investigations continue.

The aircraft is currently at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) in Belgium after the flight from Porto, Portugal, arrived. The airport has confirmed in a statement a "bomb threat was triggered" this morning and emergency services have erected a safety perimeter around the aircraft. Local police have currently ordered all its 166 passengers have been kept aboard the plane and all incoming and departing flights suspended as the runway is closed for the time being.

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The airport's statement reads: "This Tuesday morning, shortly before 11am, a bomb threat was triggered on board a plane that landed at Charleroi airport. A security perimeter was set up around the aircraft, necessitating the closure of the runway and therefore the interruption of operations.

"The relevant authorities have taken over. We will keep you informed of further developments."

Nathalie Pierard, spokesman for the airport, told thethe passengers will be removed once police have given the go ahead. She added: "The plane has been moved to a separate area of the airport.

"The runway and the main road behind it are closed, and a security perimeter of 500 metres has been set up. The police are on the scene and the 166 passengers will be evacuated from the plane once approved by the police.

"It is currently unclear how long the disruption will last. Lunchtime is an off-peak moment for flights, so not too many passengers should be affected."

Ryanair has been approached for comment by the .

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