Reported bomb threat forces Tel Aviv-Vienna flight to land in Bulgaria as MiG-29 escorts aircraft
Reported by BBC News · October 19, 2026
Flight diverted to Sofia
The Austrian Airlines aircraft was travelling from Israel to Austria when it changed course for Sofia, Bulgaria. It was above Romania when the diversion took place. The plane landed about 30 minutes after the alert was first raised. Authorities then carried out a security search of the aircraft.
Fighter jet sent to escort
Bulgaria’s air force scrambled a MiG-29 to accompany the airliner, according to the country’s transport ministry. No injuries were reported.
Earlier alert in Europe
Last week, Croatia and Germany each sent fighter jets after a commercial flight travelling from Corfu to Nuremberg issued a hijacking alert by mistake. The flight had departed from the Greek holiday island of Corfu and was heading to the German city of Nuremberg.
Key points
- The Austrian Airlines flight diverted from its Israel-to-Austria route and landed in Sofia.
- A MiG-29 escorted the aircraft after a reported bomb threat.
- Authorities searched the plane; no injuries were reported.
- An investigation is under way.