Moment police storm Ryanair jet after hoax bomb threat

by · Mail Online

Police dramatically marched onto a Ryanair plane after a hoax bomb threat forced Belgium's second largest airport to suspend a number of flights today.

Shocking footage shows officers storming onto the jet as panicked passengers dart their gaze in several directions amid the commotion. 

As police hurried towards the back of the aircraft at Charleroi Airport, worried travellers stood from their seats whilst others raised their phones. 

A series of flights were suspended at Belgium's second largest airport after 'a bomb threat was triggered' on a landed jet at around 11am local time (9am GMT). 

A security perimeter was set up around the aircraft, meaning the runway had to be closed and operations were paused. 

Belgian prosecutors have since confirmed they were informed by Interpol 'that the report was in fact a hoax.' 

Amid the chaos, a separate angle showed a Ryanair passenger sitting on the plane whilst specialist cops dressed in all-black gear stood outside. 

Travellers alighted the plane, gathering their baggage while police officers and sniffer dogs inspected  and combed the plane as well as the surrounding area. 

Police dramatically combed through a Ryanair plane today at Charleroi Airport following a hoax bomb threat
Passengers gathered their luggage as cops with sniffer dogs combed through the area surrounding the plane
Footage showed specialist officers surrounding the plane as worried passengers sat on the aircraft recently stationed on the runway 

Flights eventually resumed at around 1.45pm (12.45GMT) that same day, Ryanair later confirmed. 

Charleroi Airport, located in the south of France, is a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair.

In 2023 alone, the airport served over nine million passengers, both arriving and departing, offering flights to 200 destinations across the globe. 

Earlier today, a Ryanair spokesperson said: '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.'

The terminal was not evacuated, as it does not fall within the 500m perimeter. 

A series of flights were suspended at Belgium's second largest airport after 'a bomb threat was triggered' on a landed jet at around 11am local time (9am GMT) 
Belgian prosecutors have since confirmed they were informed by Interpol 'that the report was in fact a hoax' 

Nathalie Pierard, an airport spokesperson, told The Brussels Times this morning: '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.'