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Israeli-bound aircraft diverts to Bulgaria following security threat

An Airbus passenger jet en route from Israel to Austria made an emergency landing in Bulgaria after a security threat was reported. All 180 passengers and crew members aboard were reported safe following the incident.

LSN World News · 19 October 2026

Israeli-bound aircraft diverts to Bulgaria following security threat

The aircraft diverted to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, where it landed without incident, according to aviation authorities and Israeli officials monitoring the situation. The flight had departed from an Israeli airport when the threat notification prompted pilots to alter course and seek the nearest suitable landing site.

Bulgarian emergency services responded to the landing as a precautionary measure, though no incident occurred on the ground. The aircraft was secured and all occupants disembarked safely, officials confirmed.

Austrian Airlines, the carrier operating the service, coordinated with international aviation authorities to manage the diversion. The nature of the specific threat remained under investigation by relevant security agencies.

The incident underscores heightened security protocols maintained across European and Middle Eastern air routes. Authorities did not indicate any ongoing threat to aviation operations in the region following the safe conclusion of the emergency landing.