Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

WhatsApp Channel

Latest News
Aviation Today Perspectives
Aviation Jobs
About Us

Latest News
Aviation Today Perspectives
Aviation Jobs
About Us

Subscribe Now

Latest News
Aviation Today Perspectives
Aviation Jobs
About Us

Latest News
Aviation Today Perspectives
Aviation Jobs
About Us

News

Civil Aviation

Pilot Training

Flight School Analysis

Aviation Jobs

Training

Services

About Us

Subscribe Now

LOT Polish Airlines

Incidents

LOT Polish Airlines Diverts To Milan After Pilot Reportedly Becomes Incapacitated

Aviation Today News Desk / July 24, 2026

Milan, Italy: A LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX operating from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, to Warsaw, Poland, was diverted

Burgas, Bulgaria: A LOT Polish Airlines flight bound for Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency diversion to Bulgaria on June 30 after an inadvertent hijack alert triggered a multinational security response involving fighter aircraft from Bulgaria and Israel. Flight LO155, operated on behalf of LOT Polish Airlines by Bulgarian charter carrier Electra Airways using an Airbus A320, had departed Warsaw Chopin Airport at 11:35 a.m. local time for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv when the aircraft unexpectedly transmitted transponder code 7500 the internationally recognised emergency squawk indicating unlawful interference or a hijacking. The emergency code prompted air traffic controllers to initiate international aviation security procedures. According to Bulgaria's Ministry of Transport, the aircraft's transponder experienced a technical malfunction that incorrectly transmitted the hijack signal, while LOT Polish Airlines said the emergency code had been mistakenly activated before subsequently being cancelled during further communication with air traffic control. Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed the aircraft continued south over the Mediterranean Sea, where it circled near the coast of Cyprus before abandoning its approach to Israel and diverting toward Bulgaria. The aircraft initially requested permission to land at Paphos International Airport in Cyprus. Bulgarian authorities said the request could not be accommodated because of heavy air traffic, prompting the crew to divert to Burgas Airport instead. During the unfolding incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) scrambled two fighter jets after temporarily losing communication with the aircraft. The military later confirmed radio contact had been restored and stressed there was no indication of a genuine security threat. Bulgarian authorities also responded immediately. A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 intercepted and escorted the aircraft while it remained in Bulgarian airspace. After the aircraft crossed into Turkish-controlled airspace, the escort was transferred to two Turkish F-16 fighter jets, which accompanied the flight until it safely returned to Bulgaria. The Airbus A320 landed safely at Burgas Airport at approximately 5:13–5:15 p.m. local time, where it was directed to an isolated parking position away from the terminal and other airport infrastructure in accordance with international aviation security procedures. Business Insider reported that the aircraft was carrying around 180 passengers. Following the landing, passengers disembarked safely and underwent security screening by Bulgarian police before being escorted to a designated holding area while authorities conducted inspections of the aircraft. LOT Polish Airlines later informed passengers that the diversion resulted from the unintentional activation of an onboard security alert, describing the occurrence as an exceptionally rare event. "The diversion of your flight to Burgas was caused by the unintentional activation of an onboard security alert. In accordance with the applicable safety procedures, the aircraft was redirected to an alternate airport so that the situation could be fully clarified with the relevant authorities," the airline said in a statement provided to passengers. The carrier added that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and emphasised that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority. Bulgarian authorities subsequently confirmed that the aircraft had not been hijacked and that the emergency signal resulted from a technical failure involving the aircraft's transponder, which falsely indicated unlawful interference. No injuries were reported, and normal operations at Burgas Airport continued throughout the security response.

Incidents

LOT Flight To Tel Aviv Diverts After False Hijack Alert Triggers Fighter Jet Response

Aviation Today News Desk / July 1, 2026

A LOT Polish Airlines flight bound for Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency diversion to Bulgaria on June

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a temporary closure of the runway. All 63 passengers and four crew members on board disembarked safely, and no injuries have been reported, airport and airline officials confirmed. The aircraft involved was an Embraer E170 (registration SP-LDK), operating flight LO771 from Warsaw (Poland) to Vilnius (Lithuania). The flight landed at 13:43 local time (runway 01) without apparent issues. However, while taxiing toward the stand, the aircraft veered off the paved surface sliding onto the northern side of the airfield. Flight-tracking records show the plane had slowed to under 30 knots before the final taxiway turn but nevertheless “continued straight,” failing to make the turn and leaving the paved taxiway surface. Emergency services including fire and ground-handling teams responded immediately. Passengers disembarked via mobile stairs and were safely transported to the terminal. No injuries or medical emergencies have been reported. The airline confirmed the return flight, LO772 from Vilnius to Warsaw, has been cancelled pending technical inspection. LOT’s technical team, together with airport authorities, is assessing the aircraft and runway condition before any further operations resume. Following the incident, Vilnius Airport under the authority of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) issued a NOTAM and closed its runway, suspending all arrivals and departures. Initial estimates suggested resumption by 17:00 local time, but the closure was later extended until at least 22:00 as recovery and inspection work continued. The closure has affected other scheduled flights. Passengers on flights due to depart or arrive during the shutdown were advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules. The incident occurred amid heavy, wet snowfall in Vilnius part of a broader winter weather surge across Lithuania. The buildup of snow and slush likely contributed to poor friction on taxiway/runway surfaces. Meteorological warnings had been issued earlier, cautioning travelers about hazardous conditions. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, local media and aviation-safety observers have highlighted slippery surfaces from snow and wet slush as plausible contributing factors. Immediately after the incident, the airport’s Emergency Commission convened a meeting. The gathering included the transport minister, justice-department officials, and LTOU management, signaling the start of a formal investigation. Authorities have yet to publish a preliminary report. The investigation is expected to examine multiple aspects including runway/taxiway surface condition, snow/ice removal procedures, friction measurements, aircraft handling during taxi, and possible human or technical errors.

Incidents

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a

Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines Sets Passenger Record in 96 Years with Over 1.18M in July 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / August 28, 2025

Warsaw, Poland: LOT Polish Airlines has reported its most successful month in its 96-year history, setting new records in passenger

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

AVIATION TODAY brings the latest in aviation and aims to cater information to professionals and Aviation Enthusiasts about the Industry.

Quick Links

About Us
Contact Us
Services
Advertise
FAQ

Navigate

Latest News
Civil Aviation
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training

General Support

info@aviationtoday.in

News Desk Support

news@aviationtoday.in

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

About Us
Latest News
Aviation Today Perspectives
Aviation Jobs
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube