A major security incident unfolded on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Belgium’s Brussels South Charleroi Airport when a Ryanair flight arriving from Porto was placed under lockdown due to a bomb threat. The alert led to the immediate suspension of all flights, the establishment of a 500-meter security cordon around the aircraft, and heightened police and emergency response. With 166 passengers on board, the situation caused widespread disruption and raised serious security concerns.
As investigations continue and operations at one of Belgium’s busiest airports gradually resume, here’s everything we know about the bomb threat that halted air traffic and triggered a full-scale emergency response at Charleroi.
Emergency Triggered Mid-Landing at Charleroi
Shortly before 11:00 AM local time, authorities received an alert regarding a bomb threat on a Ryanair flight en route from Porto to Charleroi. As the aircraft landed, it was swiftly diverted to a remote part of the airport away from the terminal and runway operations. The pilot followed emergency procedures while ground crews activated the airport’s security protocol.
Within minutes, Belgian police and bomb disposal experts had arrived. A 500-meter exclusion zone was set up around the plane. Flights in and out of the airport were suspended, and the surrounding area, including a key access road, was shut down. This effectively brought operations at the country’s second-busiest airport to a standstill.
166 Passengers Held Onboard as Bomb Squad Arrives
Authorities instructed all 166 passengers and crew members to remain seated on the aircraft while the bomb squad carried out a security sweep. The decision to keep them onboard was based on protocol for minimizing exposure while threat assessment was underway.
The airport terminal remained open, though operations inside were significantly slowed. Police officers and security teams worked around the clock to verify the threat while passengers inside the airport waited for updates.
Nathalie Pierard, spokesperson for the airport, stated, “The aircraft has been safely isolated and is being thoroughly inspected by security forces. Passenger safety is the number one priority, and we are working closely with authorities to manage the situation.”
Flights Suspended, Travelers Face Delays and Cancellations
The ripple effect of the bomb threat was immediate. Charleroi Airport suspended all incoming and outgoing flights. At least a dozen flights were delayed, with some diverted to nearby airports such as Brussels Zaventem. Several outbound flights were cancelled altogether.
Passengers shared images and videos from both the tarmac and terminal, capturing the confusion and concern. We saw the Ryanair plane sitting alone with police everywhere. No one knew what was happening,” said one traveler whose flight to Milan was delayed.
Airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and TUI advised passengers to check flight status regularly and consider rebooking if possible. Airport officials stated that full normal operations would resume only after authorities gave the all-clear.
Bomb Threat Deemed Likely a Hoax, Investigation Ongoing
By late afternoon, the bomb squad had completed an extensive search of the aircraft. No explosives or suspicious items were found, leading authorities to believe the threat was likely a hoax. However, as is standard in such incidents, a full criminal investigation has been launched.
As of now, Belgian police have not identified any suspects or released details about the source of the threat. Investigators are tracing communications and reviewing passenger data to determine the origin of the bomb alert.
Law enforcement officials are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, given the potential consequences and the disruption it caused. Charges may follow if the threat is proven to be false and malicious.
Impact on Airport Security Protocols
The Charleroi bomb threat has reignited conversations about airport safety and crisis readiness. Belgium, which has seen several high-profile terror-related incidents in the past decade, remains on high alert for such threats.
Security analysts praised the swift response of authorities and the airport’s management team. “This was a textbook execution of aviation threat protocol. The decision to isolate the plane and suspend flights was necessary, even if the threat turned out to be false,” one expert noted.
The incident is also expected to prompt a review of emergency communication systems and passenger support procedures, especially as many affected travelers expressed frustration over the lack of real-time updates.
Conclusion
While the threat turned out to be unfounded, the bomb scare at Charleroi Airport served as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of air travel security. Quick action by pilots, airport security, and law enforcement prevented what could have become a much more serious crisis.
As investigations continue, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and patient during airport security responses. Airlines and airport operators are also likely to revisit their emergency protocols to enhance both efficiency and passenger communication.
FAQs
Q1: What happened at Charleroi Airport on May 13, 2025?
A Ryanair flight from Porto was subject to a bomb threat upon landing, triggering the suspension of flights and deployment of security forces.
Q2: Were any explosives found on the plane?
No explosives were discovered. The aircraft was cleared after a thorough inspection by bomb disposal teams.
Q3: How many passengers were on the affected flight?
The Ryanair aircraft was carrying 166 passengers, all of whom were kept onboard during the investigation for safety.
Q4: Is the airport now operating normally?
Flight operations are gradually resuming, but travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updated schedules.
Q5: Who made the bomb threat?
The origin of the threat is still under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed any suspects or motivations.
