Security protocols activated after 'bomb threat' detected on Turkish Airlines' Barcelona flight

GENEVA

Security protocols were activated after a "bomb threat" was detected on a Turkish Airlines flight operating from Istanbul to Barcelona, the airline said Thursday, with checks being carried out after the plane’s safe landing, and the airport running normally.

Yahya Ustun, senior vice president of communications at the airline, said on US social media platform X that "during the approach to Barcelona of our Istanbul–Barcelona flight TK1853, it was detected that a passenger created an in-flight internet access point and set the network name to include a bomb threat."

“The necessary procedures were immediately initiated within the scope of flight safety," he added.

Ustün added that after the aircraft’s safe landing, checks are being carried out by Spanish authorities, with the process done “within the framework of international aviation security rules.”

Spanish airport operator Aena said operations at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport are continuing "normally."

Aena said on X that the airport "is operating with complete normality,” adding that "due to a threat on a flight, protocols have been activated and the security forces are evaluating the situation."