Norwegian Air flight forced to turn back after bomb threat

A passenger plane carrying 169 people was forced to land in Sweden after receiving a terrifying mid-air bomb threat.

The Norwegian aircraft, which took off from Arlanda Airport in Stockholm at 9.45 am local time, was en route to Nice, France when it received the threat, forcing it to turn back and make an emergency landing.

The bomb threat was received at 10.39am, while the plane landed back in Stockholm at around 11.15am, reports Expressen.

Police and emergency workers met with the plane at the far end of the runway, according to local media.

Passengers and crew were evacuated and armed special forces attended the scene.

Almost two hours after landing, passengers were allowed to disembark in groups of roughly 10, SVT reported.

Bomb disposal experts were due to inspect the plane, police spokeswoman Tove Hagg said.

Norwegian Air issued a statement confirming the bomb threat against flight DY4321.

The low-budget carrier later said it had a replacement plane on standby.

Pertti Arnberg, a witness at the airport, said: “I saw it when it landed and quite a lot of blue light cars drove out to it.”

A police spokeswoman said that officers were at Arlanda as a result of a threat made against an airline, but declined to give any further information.

Norwegian Air Shuttle said in a statement: “For safety reasons, the aircraft returned to Arlanda.

“We note that there is a great deal of demand with many questions from the media. This is now a police case, so further questions need to be addressed to them.

“Norway’s foremost priority is the safety of our passengers and employees.”

Courtesy : Daily Telegraph