Ryanair Bomb Threat Grounds Flights at Brussels Charleroi Airport

bomb threat aboard a Ryanair flight from Faro saw a security scare at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, resulting in flight disruptions on Tuesday 13 May.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, a Ryanair flight from Faro, Portugal, to Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) faced a significant disruption due to a bomb threat. The threat, later confirmed as a hoax, saw police storm the flight after establishing a security perimeter around the aircraft.

The incident, which unfolded shortly before 11:00 AM local time, led to a temporary suspension of airport operations, affecting thousands of passengers across Europe.

Ryanair Security Incident

The flight, Ryanair FR6313, operated by a Boeing 737, departed Faro at 7:26 AM and landed at Charleroi at 10:52 AM, carrying approximately 166 passengers.

Shortly after arrival, authorities received a bomb threat, prompting immediate action. The aircraft was relocated to a secure area, and a 500-metre security perimeter was established.

This response necessitated the closure of the runway and a nearby main road, halting all incoming and outgoing flights at Charleroi, a key hub for low-cost carriers.

Passengers remained on board initially as security teams conducted thorough checks. By 1:00 PM, authorities permitted evacuation under strict police supervision.

Belgian officials, in coordination with Interpol, determined the threat was false, finding no explosives. The all-clear was given, and flight operations resumed by 1:45 PM.

However, the incident caused significant disruptions, with at least 11 flights diverted to nearby airports, including Brussels Zaventem, Lille, and Liège. Delays of up to three hours affected numerous travelers.

According to the Brussels Times, the Charleroi Public Prosecutor’s Office had received information from the British section of Interpol on Tuesday morning. It advised of a person allegedly carrying explosives on board the flight from Faro to Charleroi. The individual was held for questioning on Tuesday afternoon.

Conclusion
The Ryanair bomb threat incident underscored the operational and economic toll of hoax threats on aviation. Charleroi, handling millions of passengers annually, faced hours of disruption, impacting schedules across Europe. South Charleroi Airport subsequently reopened to flight operations at 1:45 pm local time on Tuesday.

This event highlights the importance of robust security protocols and rapid response mechanisms in aviation.

While no harm occurred, the hoax served as a reminder of the challenges airports face in maintaining safety and efficiency. Authorities continue to investigate the source of the false threat to prevent future incidents.