Air Force sends F-16 fighters to intercept plane with «bomb threat» heading to Faro

In a statement, the FAP said that the alert pair of F-16Ms was activated at 9:00 am after a civilian aircraft declared a “potential bomb threat on board when crossing national airspace” and intended to be diverted to Faro Airport .

The FAP indicates that, for the mission, two F-16Ms took off from Air Base No. 5, in Monte Real, on permanent alert.

"With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation in order to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory", said the Air Force, indicating that when the civilian aircraft left the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain and the F-16Ms handed over the mission and returned to Monte Real.

The plane, a Boeing 737-8K5, registration G-TAWJ, was on TUI flight TOM6422 from Cardiff Airport in Wales to César Manrique Airport, where the emergency plan was activated.

According to reports in the British press , the crew discovered a handwritten note claiming there was a bomb on board.

Portuguese air traffic control was reportedly notified, although it is not clear why the decision was taken to continue the flight to the Spanish island.

A source in the sector told Lusa that the plane was heading to Lanzarote and has already landed at the destination airport.

The FAP also states that it “guarantees a permanent alert of F-16M for national air defense, responding to all situations to guarantee national sovereignty and good management and safety of air traffic, in strict compliance with national and international recommendations.”