Newsroom
A bomb threat has triggered a security operation at Larnaca Airport, forcing passengers off an aircraft shortly before it was due to leave for Rome.
According to initial information, the airline ordered everyone to disembark so that the aircraft could be searched and the threat fully investigated.
Police officers and other specialist services rushed to the scene, with authorities confirming that the required security protocols had been activated.
The aircraft had been scheduled to depart Larnaca at 11:10 a.m.
It was not immediately clear how the threat was received, how many passengers were aboard or whether anything suspicious had been found during the initial checks.
There was also no immediate information about possible disruption to other flights at the airport.
Bomb threats involving aircraft are treated as genuine until proven otherwise. This means passengers and luggage may be rescreened while police, airport security and explosive-disposal specialists inspect the plane.
For passengers, what should have been a routine Friday morning flight to Rome has instead turned into an anxious wait inside the terminal as authorities work to determine whether the threat is real or a hoax.
Travellers using Larnaca Airport are advised to monitor their flight information and remain in contact with their airline in case the security operation causes delays.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
