A bomb threat note has been found during a TUI flight that journeyed from the UK to the Canary Islands.
The threatening message was discovered in an aircraft lavatory during the service from Cardiff to Lanzarote, triggering a major security response.
The note was found by a crew member whilst the aircraft was flying over Portugal, who then alerted the pilot.
Spanish authorities were notified through the AENA control tower, prompting the Civil Guard to implement emergency security protocols.
Spanish authorities were alerted to the situation
PAThe aircraft, operating as flight BY6422, had taken off from Cardiff at 7am and touched down at Lanzarote airport at approximately 10.55am on Thursday.
The discovery led to an immediate operation at the flight's destination with Spanish authorities mobilising extensive resources, including bomb disposal experts and investigators, conducting thorough searches of aircraft, passengers and luggage after landing.
Along with fiscal and border units, investigation teams and citizen security patrols, the Civil Guard deployed specialists from GEDEX (Explosives Deactivation Group).
Air traffic controllers confirmed on X: "The plane has been guided with the presence of firefighters to a siding where the passengers have had to identify their luggage.
"Landing and takeoff operations have been temporarily interrupted, which has caused some delays."
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The comprehensive security sweep required all passengers to identify their belongings as part of the investigation procedures.
No explosives were found following the comprehensive security sweep, but the incident caused multiple flight delays and prompted a Civil Guard criminal investigation.
Four scheduled departures were postponed as a result of the security alert.
The Civil Guard's investigation aims to identify the individual responsible for writing the threatening message.
Four arrivals had to be delayed following the scare
GETTYAuthorities emphasised that such actions constitute a serious criminal offence, as they create public alarm, jeopardise safety and necessitate the deployment of specialist resources.
The force warned that those found responsible could face significant legal repercussions for their actions.
The news follows an Air India flight from Thailand to India being forced to make an emergency landing after receiving a bomb threat.
Passengers on the flight from Phuket to New Delhi were escorted off the plane, an Airports of Thailand official said.
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