“Following this false alarm, two passengers were detained for questioning, on suspicion of involvement in the threat communication,” stated SATA Azores Airlines in a communiqué released at 15:30.
In response to this statement from the airline, Lusa agency again contacted the Public Security Police (PSP), which did not provide any further information.
SATA Azores Airlines reported that the bomb threat causing the diversion of flight S4 504, operating this morning between Ponta Delgada and Bilbao (Spain), was “not validated by the competent authorities, following a thorough inspection of the aircraft and baggage.”
At this time, the airline is awaiting the end of the process so that “the aircraft can resume operations as soon as possible,” and it is providing support and assistance to passengers affected by this incident.
Earlier, by 14:40, the Azorean company had indicated that the flight was diverted to Lisbon airport, where it landed safely around 12:00.
As per the security protocol, “the aircraft was directed to an isolated and secure area” at Lisbon airport, “allowing for the calm and safe disembarkation of all passengers and crew.”
In the same statement, SATA Azores Airlines indicated that the operational impact today is limited to the flight to and from Bilbao, with the rest of the operation proceeding as planned.
The company further emphasized that the safety of passengers and employees “is the absolute priority,” regretting any inconveniences this situation might have caused, which were “entirely beyond the company’s control.”
By 15:00, PSP informed Lusa that “procedures are still being formalized,” without confirming if it was a false bomb threat or whether activities at the site were still ongoing.
The Lisbon Fire Brigade stated they received an alert at 12:32 and dispatched resources to the location.
In a note to Lusa, ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal confirmed that the SATA flight, originating from Ponta Delgada and en route to Bilbao, declared an emergency and landed safely at Humberto Delgado airport, noting that “all appropriate measures for this situation were activated.”
Despite this occurrence, Lisbon airport ensured the “continuation of operations,” ANA added, referring further information to the competent authorities, including the PSP.
[News updated at 16:14]
