A bomb hoax on a European Ryanair flight triggered airport-wide shutdowns, diverted 11 flights, and caused travel chaos across Belgium and France before the perpetrator was arrested in England.
Key Takeaways
- A bomb threat on Ryanair flight FR6313 from Faro, Portugal forced Brussels South Charleroi Airport to suspend all operations for nearly three hours on May 13, 2025.
- The security incident affected approximately 170 passengers, diverted at least 11 flights, and caused widespread travel disruptions throughout Europe.
- Air traffic resumed at 1:45 pm after authorities confirmed the threat was a hoax and arrested the perpetrator in England.
- This incident raises serious concerns about airport security protocols in Europe, particularly at secondary hubs like Charleroi that serve as major bases for low-cost carriers.
- The disruption will have lingering economic effects on Belgium’s tourism industry during the peak spring travel season.
Emergency Response Triggered at Charleroi Airport
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, a major European hub for budget airline Ryanair, abruptly suspended all operations shortly before 11:00 am local time on May 13 after receiving a bomb threat targeting an incoming flight. The airport immediately implemented emergency security protocols, establishing a protected zone around the aircraft and evacuating areas near the plane. The incident sent shockwaves through Belgium’s aviation system and created a ripple effect of travel disruptions that reached into neighboring countries, particularly France, as flights were diverted and schedules thrown into chaos.
“A security perimeter was established around the aircraft,” said the spokeswoman for the airport operator.
The targeted aircraft, Ryanair flight FR6313 from Faro, Portugal, was carrying approximately 170 passengers when the threat was received. Airport authorities took no chances with passenger safety, immediately closing the runway and halting all flight operations at the busy transportation hub. The decisive action prevented any aircraft from taking off or landing, effectively shutting down the entire airport while security personnel conducted a thorough investigation of the potentially dangerous situation.
#BREAKING 🇧🇪Operations at Belgium’s second-largest airport were suspended on Tuesday after a bomb threat on a Ryanair flight, the airport operator said.
The threat was reported just before 11:00 a.m. local time when the plane landed at Charleroi Airport. A security zone was set… pic.twitter.com/XvgSG9JAyV
— 凤凰欧洲 PhoenixCNE News (@PhoenixCNE_News) May 13, 2025
Widespread Travel Disruption and Economic Impact
The bomb threat caused significant disruption across Europe’s aviation network, with at least 11 flights diverted to alternative airports. The ripple effects extended far beyond Charleroi, creating logistical nightmares for airlines operating throughout Belgium and France. Thousands of travelers found themselves stranded or delayed, with many taking to social media to express frustration about the lack of real-time updates. The incident highlighted how vulnerable modern air travel remains to security threats and how quickly localized incidents can cascade into regional transportation crises.
“Brussels South Charleroi Airport descended into crisis mode today after a chilling bomb threat aboard Ryanair flight FR6313 forced authorities to shut down the entire airport,” stated Ryanair
The timing of this incident couldn’t be worse for Belgium’s tourism economy, coming during the peak spring travel season when visitor numbers typically surge. Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses are now facing potential cancellations and booking chaos. The economic impact extends beyond immediate flight disruptions, potentially damaging traveler confidence in the region. Tourism boards are now scrambling to reassure visitors about security measures ahead of the crucial summer travel season, when Europeans and international tourists flood into Belgium.
Hoax Confirmed as Operations Resume
After nearly three hours of intensifying tension and thorough security sweeps, authorities confirmed the bomb threat was a hoax. Operations at Charleroi Airport finally resumed at 1:45 pm local time, though the effects of the shutdown continued to ripple through flight schedules for the remainder of the day. The efficient response by security personnel demonstrated that emergency protocols functioned as designed, though questions remain about preventing similar incidents in the future.
“The perpetrator of the false alarm has been identified and arrested in England. The person arrested on board the plane has been released,” stated the Charleroi prosecutor’s office.
This incident carries concerning echoes of past terrorist activities in Brussels, reviving painful memories for a country that has previously experienced genuine threats. While this particular bomb scare proved to be a malicious hoax, it spotlights persistent vulnerabilities in Europe’s aviation security infrastructure, particularly at secondary airports that serve as major hubs for low-cost carriers. Aviation analysts will undoubtedly review the response to determine if secondary airports like Charleroi maintain adequate security protocols and crisis management capabilities compared to primary international hubs.
