Ryanair ‘bomb threat’ leaves flight grounded and runway closed

The incident happened this morning

Passenger were stopped from disembarking the aircraft as the 737 sat on the tarmac in Belgium.

The plane was grounded after it landed from Faro, Portugal, with all 166 passengers told to stay on board as an investigation was undertaken.

A statement released by the airport said: "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."

Ryanair has since spoken out on the incident and confirmed the passengers have left the aircraft and the plane is soon to return into service.

Ryanair told The Sun: "Ryanair was informed of a security threat on flight FR6313 from Faro to Brussels Charleroi today, 13th May.

"The aircraft landed normally at Charleroi as planned. Passengers have been disembarked, and the aircraft is being prepared for return to service. We sincerely apologise to any passengers affected."

Spokesperson for the airport, Nathalie Pierard, told the Brussels Times that the plane was moved to a separate area of the airport.

Brussels South Charleroi is one of Ryanair's key hubs, serving as a satellite airport for the Belgian capital as well as a transfer hub for passengers changing Ryanair flights.

The airport is actually located 54km from Brussels, and is located in the Belgian city of Charleroi.