Austrian Airlines Tel Aviv–Vienna flight diverts to Sofia after bomb threat

An Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna diverted to Sofia, Bulgaria, under Bulgarian fighter escort on 18 October 2026 after a bomb threat. Searches of the aircraft, passengers and crew found no danger, and the Airbus A320 later continued to Vienna with everyone aboard, according to AeroTime and Live and Let's Fly.

What happened

Flight OS82 was carrying 51 passengers and six crew members, the airline said. AeroTime reports that Bulgaria's Transport Ministry said the crew reported the threat near the Romanian border and decided to divert to Sofia. Flight tracking data identified the aircraft as OE-LZE, an Airbus A320-200, AeroTime says.

Bulgaria's Defence Ministry said MiG-29 fighters were scrambled as part of its air policing mission, according to AeroTime. The response was coordinated with NATO's Combined Air Operations Center in Torrejón, Spain. Live and Let's Fly, citing Reuters, says a fighter escorted the passenger jet to Sofia.

Searches and onward journey

Passengers left the aircraft after landing while authorities carried out security checks. Austrian Airlines confirmed on 19 October that checks had found no danger. Live and Let's Fly quotes the airline: "During the search of the affected aircraft, the passengers, and the crew, no danger was identified."

The airline had initially said passengers would be rebooked onto alternative flights once the inspection was complete. According to Live and Let's Fly, all passengers subsequently reboarded and the flight continued to Vienna, arriving the following morning. AeroTime says the aircraft continued with all passengers aboard; the sources do not give exact arrival or delay times.

Investigation

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the threat was made by telephone to Vienna Airport. AeroTime, citing Reuters, reports he spoke at a press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart and confirmed an investigation was under way, but declined to give further details. Live and Let's Fly's author argues that whoever made the threat should be identified and held accountable if it proves to have been knowingly fabricated; that is the outlet's opinion rather than an official position.

What this means for travellers

• Bomb threats can trigger diversions even when nothing is found. Crews act on the information available at the time.
• Passengers on the flight were taken off the aircraft in Sofia while checks were carried out, then continued to Vienna after the all-clear.
• Austrian Airlines said it would rebook passengers if needed once inspections were complete. Travellers affected by similar diversions should follow airline instructions and check their booking for rebooking options.
• The sources do not say whether other flights were disrupted, or whether compensation or other assistance was offered to passengers on OS82.

It is not yet known who made the threat or what the outcome of the investigation will be.

Sources: AeroTime; Live and Let's Fly.