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The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
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 7 Two Portuguese fighter jets were scrambled after a bomb threat note was found on a TUI flight Credit: Amanda Davies/Media Wales 7 Cheryl Sainsbury, Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were on the flight in question Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 7 Spain's Civil Guard activated the security protocol 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 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. Read more world news 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. Most read in The Sun 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 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. 7 The plane landed safely in Cesar Manrique airport in Lanzarote Credit: Alamy 7 Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination for Brits Credit: Getty "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 TUI cabin crew members remained calm and were "brilliant" with all the passengers. Spain's Civil Guard activated the security protocol after receiving a warning from the AENA control tower, as Specialists from the GEDEX (Explosives Deactivation Group), the Fiscal and Border Section, investigation units and citizen security patrols all intervened. 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. 7 Cabin crew members were 'brilliant' with passengers, Cheryl said Credit: Alamy 7 Spanish police have launched an investigation Credit: Facebook/FL360aero
Scottish Sun
8 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.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
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
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I was on TUI plane when fighter jets were scrambled over device on board'
Cheryl Sainsbury was travelling to Lanzarote with her friends when the captain said they would need to land due to reports of a 'device' on board - and fighter jets were deployed A passenger who was on a TUI plane when fighter jets were scrambled after a threatening note was discovered in the bathroom has now shared further details of the incident. Cheryl Sainsbury and her three friends Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were travelling from Cardiff to Lanzarote when, as the plane was flying over Portugal, the captain said they would need to land as soon as possible because there was reports of a "device" on board. The 43-year-old passenger 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." READ MORE: TUI flight erupts in panic after 'bomb threat note' discovered in toilet Cheryl said the cabin crew remained calm and "brilliant" with all the passengers - and people were asked to remain seated while the crew looked under the seats and in the overhead lockers to check that all the luggage was accounted for. "I think they were looking for a black rucksack," Cheryl said. While onboard and waiting for news about what would happen next, the passengers tried to message loved ones to tell them what was happening to them, the holidaymaker told Wales Online. Shortly after, the captain made a new announcement, saying that a risk assessment had been carried out and it was concluded that the threat was low, so the flight would no longer be need to land earlier in Portugal. However, for the passengers and crews' safety, they were escorted the rest of the way by two Portuguese fighter jets before they safely landed at the airport in Arrecife, Lanzarote. 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." Once on the ground, passengers had to wait for the emergency services on the ground to check through all the luggage before they were allowed to leave. "We had to stand on the tarmac with all the luggage but we weren't allowed to touch of any of it," Cheryl explained. "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." Cheryl and her friends have since been enjoying Lanzarote and are due to fly back home on Sunday. 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." Controllers writing on one X account said: "The plane has been guided with the presence of firefighters to a siding where the passengers have had to identify their luggage. Landing and takeoff operations have been temporarily interrupted, which has caused some delays." A spokesperson for the Portuguese Air Force said in a statement that two F-16M jets on permanent alert were deployed from Air Base number 5 in Monte Real to intercept and escort the plane. Fighter pilots were required to closely monitor the situation as the TUI jet travelled through Portuguese airspace before seeing the aircraft to its landing point in Lanzarote. The military said: "With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory. Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real." Eventually, no explosive device was found onboard and authorities have launched an investigation to determine who wrote the letter found in the bathroom. 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."
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Wales Online
Cardiff flight escorted by fighter jets as captain tells terrified passengers there's a 'device' on board
Cardiff flight escorted by fighter jets as captain tells terrified passengers there's a 'device' on board Cheryl Sainsbury, from Pontypridd, said that cabin crew were searching the plane for a rucksack before their flight was escorted to Lanzarote by fighter jets following a bomb scare on a TUI flight from Cardiff to Lanzarote Portuguese fighter jets escorted the plane to its destination after a threatening note was found in the toilet (Image: Amanda Davies ) A group of friends from Pontypridd were caught up in the "surreal" moment a TUI flight from Cardiff Airport was escorted by fighter jets after a bomb scare. Cheryl Sainsbury and her three friends Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were looking forward to enjoying a last-minute holiday in Lanzarote when their flight took a turn for the worse. While flying over Portugal on Thursday morning (June 19), around half-way through the almost four hour flight, the captain came over the radio to say that the plane would need to land as soon as possible because there was reports of a "device" on board. "We were sort of looking at each other thinking 'what's he on about'?", Cheryl, 43, said. "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." She added that the cabin crew from TUI remained calm and "brilliant" with all the passengers. You can read more about what happened to the flight here. (R-L) Cheryl Sainsbury and her three friends Leanne Thomas, Cherie Gurner and Tara Pumford were flying to Lanzarote when a member of the cabin crew found a handwritten note saying there was a device on board (Image: Cheryl Sainsbury ) While everyone was told to remain in their seats, the crew looked under the seats and in the overhead lockers to check that all the luggage was accounted for. "I think they were looking for a black rucksack," Cheryl said. Article continues below While onboard and waiting for news about what would happen next, the passengers tried to message loved ones to tell them what was happening to them. Get the latest Ponty news first by signing up to our newsletter here At the time, the group thought that someone had put a call in to say that there was a bomb on board, but they later found out that a threatening handwritten note was found in one of the toilets . The next announcement from the captain said that a risk assessment had been carried out and it was concluded that the threat was low, so the flight would no longer be landing earlier in Portugal. However, for the passengers and crews' safety, they were escorted the rest of the way by two Portuguese fighter jets before they safely landed at the airport in Arrecife, Lanzarote. 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." However, the ordeal was not completely over as the group had to wait for the emergency services on the ground to check through all the luggage before they were allowed to leave. "We had to stand on the tarmac with all the luggage but we weren't allowed to touch of any of it," Cheryl explained. "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. Since managing to leave the airport, the group have been enjoying some drinks in Lanzarote to try and "settle their nerves" after the experience. They are due to fly back home on Sunday and are hoping that flight is 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." Despite the full-on response, officials eventually discovered there was no explosive device aboard, and local police have now launched an investigation to determine who wrote the letter found in the bathroom. Article continues below 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.' TUI have been contacted for comment
