Fighter jets scrambled to Brit TUI flight to Lanzarote after terrifying bomb threat note is found in toilet
HOLIDAYMAKERS were left terrified after a bomb threat note was found on a Brit TUI flight from Cardiff to Lanzarote - forcing fighter jets to scramble.
Cheryl Sainsbury, 43 and her pals, from Pontypridd, were all smiles en route to the Canaries - until the pilot made a chilling mid-air announcement.
6
6
6
While flying over Portugal on Thursday morning, Welsh pals Cheryl, Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were stunned when the pilot announced the plane must land urgently due to reports of a "device" on board.
Cheryl said: "We were sort of looking at each other thinking 'what's he on about'?
"We were all scared but there was no sense of panic as such on board. Everybody seemed to come together and just looked out for each other. We all wanted to make sure everyone was ok."
Everyone was told to remain in their seats.
The crew searched under the seats and in the overhead lockers to check that all the luggage was accounted for.
Cheryl said: "I think they were looking for a black rucksack."
Passengers reportedly tried to message loved ones to tell them what was happening as they anxiously waited for updates from the cabin crew.
The group initially thought someone had phoned in a bomb threat - only later did they learn a handwritten note was found by a crew member in one of the aircraft's toilets.
The pilot then announced a risk assessment had been done and the threat was deemed low, meaning the plane would no longer be landing earlier in Portugal.
But for everyone's safety, two Portuguese fighter jets escorted the plane to its destination of Arrecife in Lanzarote.
6
6
Harrowing moment plane comes terrifyingly close to helicopter as it takes off at airport
Cheryl said: "Once we landed on the ground, it was the biggest celebration and sense of relief.
"We were taken to a remote part of the airport and there were police and fire engines surrounding the plane. We had to get off one-by-one."
The group then had to wait for the emergency services on the ground to check through the luggage before they were allowed to leave.
Cheryl explained: "We had to stand on the tarmac with all the luggage but we weren't allowed to touch of any of it.
"They brought sniffer dogs and the bomb squad so we just had to stand their and watch before they let us on the bus.
"We got taken to some form of compound where there were no refreshments and just one toilet.
"We just had to wait their until they had approval from the police to let us go to get back to the normal part of the airport where we could go through immigration and collect our cases."
The friends are now unwinding in Lanzarote with a drink or two to help 'settle their nerves' after the ordeal.
They are due to fly back home on Sunday - and are hoping that flight will be less eventful.
Cheryl said: "It was such a weird experience especially as I'm a quite anxious flyer so I don't know how we did it. Even though we were all scared, we just stuck together and tried to keep it calm."
She added that the cabin crew from TUI remained calm and were "brilliant" with all the passengers.
Specialists from the GEDEX (Explosives Deactivation Group), the Fiscal and Border Section, investigation units and citizen security patrols all intervened, as reported by The Sun on Thursday.
The inspection found no explosive device on board.
Flight BY6422 landed at Lanzarote airport at around 10.55am on Thursday.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport said: 'We are aware of an incident involving flight TOM6422 from Cardiff to Lanzarote on 19/06/25.
"The safety of our passengers is our number one priority. No concerns or suspicious activity were raised prior to departure.'
Spain 's Civil Guard has launched an investigation to determine who wrote the note.
The force stressed that this type of act is a serious crime, as it causes alarm, compromises public safety and forces specialised resources to be used.
TUI has been contacted for comment.
6
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon ON THE RHODES I went to the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The mountains of Halki island near Rhodes Credit: Getty 6 The TUI Rhodes half-marathon Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The majestic Acropolis Credit: Getty Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19. Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach. While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. 6 Runners pass the Rhodes Windmills Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The adults only Atlantica Imperial Resort Credit: Supplied Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then. GO: RHODES GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5H Atlantica Imperial Resort is from £1,029pp including flights from Gatwick in September, 23kg hold luggage and transfers. See MORE INFO: Sign up to run in the 10k, half-marathon or full marathon in Palma, Majorca, on October 19. See
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky. 6 6 Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19. Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach. While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. 6 6 Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Fighter jets scrambled to Brit TUI flight to Lanzarote after terrifying bomb threat note is found in toilet
Some passengers tried texting family to let them know about what was happening TUI TERROR PANIC Fighter jets scrambled to Brit TUI flight to Lanzarote after terrifying bomb threat note is found in toilet Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYMAKERS were left terrified after a bomb threat note was found on a Brit TUI flight from Cardiff to Lanzarote - forcing fighter jets to scramble. Cheryl Sainsbury, 43 and her pals, from Pontypridd, were all smiles en route to the Canaries - until the pilot made a chilling mid-air announcement. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Cheryl Sainsbury and her three pals Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were on a TUI flight to Lanzarote Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 6 An emergency security protocol was triggered after a bomb threat note was found in the bathroom as the plane was flying over Portugal Credit: Alamy 6 Two Portuguese fighter jets escorted the plane to Lanzarote Credit: Amanda Davies/Media Wales While flying over Portugal on Thursday morning, Welsh pals Cheryl, Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were stunned when the pilot announced the plane must land urgently due to reports of a "device" on board. Cheryl said: "We were sort of looking at each other thinking 'what's he on about'? "We were all scared but there was no sense of panic as such on board. Everybody seemed to come together and just looked out for each other. We all wanted to make sure everyone was ok." Everyone was told to remain in their seats. The crew searched under the seats and in the overhead lockers to check that all the luggage was accounted for. Cheryl said: "I think they were looking for a black rucksack." Passengers reportedly tried to message loved ones to tell them what was happening as they anxiously waited for updates from the cabin crew. The group initially thought someone had phoned in a bomb threat - only later did they learn a handwritten note was found by a crew member in one of the aircraft's toilets. The pilot then announced a risk assessment had been done and the threat was deemed low, meaning the plane would no longer be landing earlier in Portugal. But for everyone's safety, two Portuguese fighter jets escorted the plane to its destination of Arrecife in Lanzarote. 6 The plane safely landed in Cesar Manrique airport in Lanzarote Credit: Alamy 6 Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination for Brits Credit: Getty Harrowing moment plane comes terrifyingly close to helicopter as it takes off at airport Cheryl said: "Once we landed on the ground, it was the biggest celebration and sense of relief. "We were taken to a remote part of the airport and there were police and fire engines surrounding the plane. We had to get off one-by-one." The group then had to wait for the emergency services on the ground to check through the luggage before they were allowed to leave. Cheryl explained: "We had to stand on the tarmac with all the luggage but we weren't allowed to touch of any of it. "They brought sniffer dogs and the bomb squad so we just had to stand their and watch before they let us on the bus. "We got taken to some form of compound where there were no refreshments and just one toilet. "We just had to wait their until they had approval from the police to let us go to get back to the normal part of the airport where we could go through immigration and collect our cases." The friends are now unwinding in Lanzarote with a drink or two to help 'settle their nerves' after the ordeal. They are due to fly back home on Sunday - and are hoping that flight will be less eventful. Cheryl said: "It was such a weird experience especially as I'm a quite anxious flyer so I don't know how we did it. Even though we were all scared, we just stuck together and tried to keep it calm." She added that the cabin crew from TUI remained calm and were "brilliant" with all the passengers. Specialists from the GEDEX (Explosives Deactivation Group), the Fiscal and Border Section, investigation units and citizen security patrols all intervened, as reported by The Sun on Thursday. The inspection found no explosive device on board. Flight BY6422 landed at Lanzarote airport at around 10.55am on Thursday. A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport said: 'We are aware of an incident involving flight TOM6422 from Cardiff to Lanzarote on 19/06/25. "The safety of our passengers is our number one priority. No concerns or suspicious activity were raised prior to departure.' Spain's Civil Guard has launched an investigation to determine who wrote the note. The force stressed that this type of act is a serious crime, as it causes alarm, compromises public safety and forces specialised resources to be used. TUI has been contacted for comment.
