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19th June 2025
06:32pm BST
Portuguese Air Force jets were deployed after a bomb threat was detected on a plane heading to Spain as it crossed national air space.
The passenger plane received emergency assistance from the authority in Monte Real, Portugal. Two fighter jets were quickly sent to support the aircraft.
The plane was sent to divert to Faro Airport, however, it still managed to land at its intended destination, Lanzarote Airport.
The Air Force issued a statement: "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.
"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," per The Mirror.
