Operations at Belgium’s second largest airport have been suspended due to a bomb alert on a Ryanair plane today.
Shortly before 11.00am local time (9am GMT) ‘a bomb threat was triggered’ on board an aircraft that landed at Charleroi Airport, said a spokeswoman for its operator.
‘A security perimeter was established around the aircraft, requiring the closure of the runway and the suspension of operations,’ the spokeswoman added.
‘The relevant authorities have taken over.’
The plane in question was reportedly flying from Faro, Portugal.
A spokesperson for Ryanair told MailOnline: ‘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.’
Operations at Belgium’s second largest airport have been suspended due to a bomb alert on a Ryanair plane today. Pictured: The Ryanair airplane on the ground following the alert
Shortly before 11.00am local time (9.00am GMT) ‘a bomb threat was triggered’ on board an aircraft that landed at Charleroi Airport, said a spokeswoman for its operator
A spokesperson for Ryanair told MailOnline: ‘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’
All incoming and departing flights have been suspended as the runway is closed for the time being.
The terminal is not being evacuated for now, as it does not fall within the 500-metre perimeter.
Nathalie Pierard, spokesperson for the airport, told The Brussels Times: ‘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.’
Police are carrying out security screenings at the moment and will decide when air traffic will be able to resume.
Lunchtime is an off-peak moment for flights, so not too many passengers should be affected, according to Ms Pierard.
Charleroi, south of Brussels, is a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
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Ryanair plane bomb threat: Flights suspended at major Belgian airport and security perimeter set up around aircraft following alert