On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Charleroi Airport descended into chaos after a bomb threat was reported on a Ryanair flight arriving from Porto, Portugal, shortly before 11:00 am. The incident prompted the suspension of all arrivals and departures, disrupting operations at the Belgian airport.
The Ryanair plane, carrying 166 passengers, was immediately isolated in a secure area of the airport, according to Nathalie Pierard, Charleroi Airport’s spokesperson. Federal police established a 500-meter security perimeter around the aircraft and are conducting thorough security screenings.
“The plane is being evacuated, pending police approval,” Pierard told The Brussels Times. The airport terminal, located outside the perimeter, remains operational, with passengers inside unaffected for now.
#BREAKING 🇧🇪Operations at Belgium’s second-largest airport were suspended on Tuesday after a bomb threat on a Ryanair flight, the airport operator said.
— 凤凰欧洲 PhoenixCNE News (@PhoenixCNE_News) May 13, 2025
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
“The competent authorities have taken over,” the airport stated on Facebook. One user commented, “I’m at Charleroi Airport; for the moment, everything is fine,” suggesting calm within the terminal.
The bomb threat has caused significant disruptions, with 58 departing flights scheduled for Tuesday afternoon delayed indefinitely. Incoming flights have been diverted to nearby airports, including Brussels-Zaventem and Lille in northern France. Pierard noted that the incident’s timing, during a quieter lunchtime period, may reduce the number of affected passengers. However, the duration of the disruption remains uncertain as authorities continue their investigation.
Details about the bomb threat, including its nature or any suspicious items, have not been disclosed. Authorities are prioritizing passenger safety and airport security as the investigation unfolds. Travellers are advised to check with their airlines for flight status updates and to expect delays throughout the day. No timeline has been provided for the resumption of normal operations. At the time of writing, Ryanair has not yet issued a statement.
