Portuguese Air Force scrambled their fighter jets on Thursday after a “bomb threat” was declared onboard a passenger jet which is believed to be heading to Spain.
Two F-16Ms were deployed to support the civilian flight as it was set to land at Faro Airport, landed at Lanzarote Airport.
In a statement issued by the air force, they said, “This morning, at 9:00 am, the Air Force activated the F-16M alert pair after a civilian aircraft declared a potential bomb threat on board when crossing national airspace, intending to divert to Faro Airport.
“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 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.
Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real.
The Air Force 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.
