Spanish military fighter jets were urgently scrambled to intercept and escort a passenger plane to a safe landing at Barcelona-El Prat Airport this morning, following a serious terrorist threat.
Flight Intercepted Amid Bomb Fears
The incident involved Turkish Airlines flight TK1853, an Airbus A321 which had departed from Istanbul earlier today. According to reports from the Spanish outlet El Nacional, authorities received alarming information suggesting the potential presence of an explosive device on the aircraft.
The plane, carrying 148 passengers and seven crew members, was met by the fighter jets and carefully escorted to its destination. It touched down safely at the Catalan airport at approximately 11:00 AM local time on 15 January 2026.
Security Protocol Activated at El Prat
Upon landing, the aircraft was immediately moved to a remote, secure area of the airport as part of standard emergency protocols for such threats. Spanish police and security forces swiftly boarded the plane to conduct a thorough search and investigation.
Passengers and crew were evacuated safely as experts worked to ascertain the validity of the threat. The report of a possible "artefact" or device onboard triggered the highest levels of aviation security response.
Ongoing Investigation and Passenger Safety
While the immediate danger appears to have been averted with the safe landing, the situation remains active. Authorities are investigating the source and credibility of the threat. All travellers from the flight are being assisted, and operations at Barcelona-El Prat have been affected, with some delays and disruptions reported.
This dramatic event underscores the constant vigilance required in international air travel and the robust protocols in place across Europe to respond to potential acts of terrorism. The swift coordination between military and civilian authorities prevented a potentially catastrophic situation.
