A hoax bomb threat on a Ryanair flight at Belgium’s Charleroi Airport triggered an international security operation that left thousands stranded, with the perpetrator later arrested in England after wreaking havoc across European air travel networks.
Key Takeaways
- Operations at Brussels South Charleroi Airport were suspended for nearly three hours following a bomb threat on Ryanair flight FR6313 from Faro, Portugal, carrying 170 passengers.
- The security incident caused at least 11 flights to be diverted and created widespread travel disruptions across Belgium and France.
- Authorities established a security perimeter around the aircraft, evacuated passengers, and closed the runway until the threat was confirmed to be a hoax.
- The perpetrator of the false bomb threat was identified and arrested in England, while a person initially detained on the aircraft was released.
- Air traffic finally resumed at 1:45 pm (0900 GMT) after nearly three hours of closure, leaving significant economic impacts on European tourism.
Security Alert Paralyzes Major European Transport Hub
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, a significant Ryanair hub in Europe, ground to a halt on May 13, 2025, when security officials received a bomb threat shortly before 11:00 am local time. The threat specifically targeted Ryanair flight FR6313 from Faro, Portugal, which had safely landed with 170 passengers on board. Within minutes, airport authorities implemented emergency protocols, establishing a security perimeter around the aircraft and evacuating passengers to safe locations.
“A security perimeter was established around the aircraft, necessitating the closure of the runway and therefore the interruption of operations,” said a spokesperson for Charleroi airport.
#BREAKING 🇧🇪Operations at Belgium’s second-largest airport were suspended on Tuesday after a bomb threat on a Ryanair flight, the airport operator said.
The threat was reported just before 11:00 a.m. local time when the plane landed at Charleroi Airport. A security zone was set… pic.twitter.com/XvgSG9JAyV
— 凤凰欧洲 PhoenixCNE News (@PhoenixCNE_News) May 13, 2025
Widespread Disruption Across European Travel Networks
The security incident caused immediate and far-reaching consequences for European air travel. At least 11 flights were diverted to alternative airports, while countless others faced delays or cancellations. The disruption extended beyond Charleroi, affecting flight schedules, crew allocations, and baggage logistics across multiple airlines in both Belgium and neighboring France. The timing during the spring tourism season magnified the economic impact on European travel networks.
“Brussels South Charleroi Airport descended into crisis mode today after a chilling bomb threat aboard Ryanair flight FR6313 forced authorities to shut down the entire airport,” stated Ryanair regarding the incident.
For travelers already struggling with post-pandemic adjustment and inflation-driven fare increases, the disruption represented yet another challenge in an increasingly unpredictable travel landscape. Social media quickly filled with frustrated passengers demanding better real-time updates and questioning security measures. The hospitality sectors in Belgium braced for cancellations and booking chaos, especially concerning with the approaching summer travel season.
Resolution and Aftermath
After a thorough investigation, authorities determined the bomb threat was a hoax. Operations at Charleroi Airport resumed at 1:45 pm, nearly three hours after the initial alert. In a swift international response, law enforcement identified and apprehended the hoax perpetrator in England. A person initially detained on the aircraft was subsequently released after questioning. The rapid resolution demonstrated effective cross-border security cooperation.
“The perpetrator of the false alarm has been identified and arrested in England. The person arrested on board the plane has been released,” according to the Charleroi prosecutor’s office.
Ryanair issued a statement acknowledging the situation and apologizing to affected passengers: Ryanair was informed of a security threat on flight FR6313 from Faro to Brussels Charleroi. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in European aviation, particularly at secondary airports serving as low-cost carrier hubs. Aviation security analysts will likely review the response protocols and preparedness measures at Charleroi, especially given Belgium’s history with terrorist incidents and the continuing importance of maintaining public confidence in air travel security.
