Israeli authorities scrambled fighter jets to escort a Wizz Air UK flight operating from London Luton Airport (LTN) to Ben-Gurion Airport (TLV) after receiving reports of a potential security incident on board.
The incident occurred on February 8, 2026, as Wizz Air UK flight W95301, operated by an Airbus A321neo registered G-WUKU, approached Israeli airspace. During the flight, at least one passenger reportedly received messages perceived as threatening, raising safety concerns among the crew.
According to Israeli media reports, the flight crew alerted air traffic control at Ben-Gurion Airport. Israeli authorities then activated standard security protocols and dispatched Israeli Air Force fighter jets to intercept and escort the aircraft as a precaution.
Broadcaster N12 News initially reported that authorities suspected a passenger of changing the onboard Wi-Fi network name to ‘terrorist’ and sending alarming messages to other passengers. Investigators continue to examine how the messages reached passengers.
Israeli Air Force fighter jets intercepted the aircraft and accompanied it until it landed safely at Ben-Gurion Airport. The incident caused no injuries or damage.
“Due to suspicion of suspicious behavior on the plane, security forces acted according to the procedures for such a case. The incident ended. The plane landed, and it found that there was no actual incident,” Israel Airports Authority statement reads.
After landing, security personnel boarded the aircraft and screened all passengers and the aircraft. The Airports Authority later confirmed that investigators found no actual threat and that airport operations continued without disruption.
