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Turkish Airlines Jet Escorted to Barcelona After Wi‑Fi Bomb Alert

Searches found no explosives, according to Spanish officials.

Overview

  • The IstanbulBarcelona flight TK1853 declared an emergency near Sardinia after crew noticed a passenger-created Wi‑Fi hotspot name implying a bomb threat.
  • NATO quick-reaction procedures scrambled fighter jets, with a French escort handed over to Spanish Eurofighters before a controlled landing around 11:00 local time.
  • The Airbus A321 was directed to a remote area at El Prat, and all 148 passengers and seven crew members were evacuated for screening.
  • Bomb-disposal teams and police searched the aircraft and luggage, with airport operator AENA saying overall airport operations continued normally.
  • Turkish Airlines said the return flight would operate after checks, and local reports said the passenger linked to the hotspot was detained for questioning.