Emergency Landing for Turkish Airlines Flight Due to False Bomb Threat

A Turkish Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in Barcelona on Thursday morning after a passenger created a Wi-Fi hotspot and claimed there was a bomb on board. According to airline officials, this incident prompted immediate emergency protocols.

Flight 1853 was nearing its destination, flying from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport when the alarming situation unfolded. The Airbus A321 was carrying 148 passengers and seven crew members. Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to a designated area for inspection.

Yahya Ustun, Turkish Airlines’ senior vice president of communications, mentioned on social media that a passenger had set up an onboard internet access point with a name that included a bomb threat. While cruising over the Mediterranean, crew members noticed the ominous Wi-Fi name that read, “We have a bomb and we’re all going to die.”

Safety measures kicked in right away after the crew received the warning. Interestingly, the plane was escorted by both Spanish and French fighter jets as it navigated through emergency procedures.

Once on the ground, response teams thoroughly inspected the aircraft and sought to identify the individual responsible for the threatening Wi-Fi name. Spanish authorities, including various police and fire officials, were involved in the operation. Video footage from the scene showed dogs deployed to inspect passengers’ luggage.

After a comprehensive examination, officials reported finding “no abnormalities.” Ustun added that the repatriation of the aircraft would take place once all passengers were accounted for. Following the scare, Barcelona’s El Prat Airport returned to regular operations.