Thomson Bomb Threat

[DX Wombat]

News item on the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12961833)website.

[CornishFlyer]

Fighter jets were scrambled to escort a British passenger plane to Athens airport following a security alert.

The Thomson Airways Boeing 757, with more than 200 passengers on board, landed safely at Athens having taken off from Bristol bound for the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Greek state television reported a bomb threat was made to a holiday company in Britain. However, the BBC said the threat was received by an Egyptian news agency and passed on to the plane's crew.

Security forces searched the plane at Athens airport.

Thomson said the crew took the decision to divert to Athens "as a precaution and in the interest of safety".

A spokesman added: "The plane landed safely and there were no injuries. A full inspection of the aircraft is being carried out."

The incident, involving flight TOM226, occurred at around 1pm UK time. The Greek air force said two F-16 jets and a Super Puma helicopter escorted the plane to Athens International airport.


Thomson holiday flight diverts to Athens after security alert | World news | guardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/04/thomson-airways-jet-bomb-threat-divert-athens)

[Rwy in Sight]

About half an hour ago a Condor 757-300 on its way from Stuttgartto Cyprus made an emergency landing in Athens. The problem appeared over the island of Skyros and the aircraft landed safely.

[Lone_Ranger]

Always Wondered about the reality of fighter escorts on these occasions. Whats your opinion?, would they really shoot down a passenger jet if they thought it was going for a target as in 9/11 ?, they would have to be pretty damn sure ..................................whatever, at the least I suppose it keeps up the appearance of being able to actually do something in these events

[mathers_wales_uk]

About half an hour ago a Condor 757-300 on its way from Stuttgartto Cyprus made an emergency landing in Athens. The problem appeared over the island of Skyros and the aircraft landed safely.

Was this another security alert or non related technical issue?

[RingwaySam]

The Condor was due to an engine being shut down.