Ryanair criticised over handling of bomb threat diversion

Ryanair is reportedly being criticised this morning over its handling of a bomb threat that forced the diversion of one of its flights yesterday.

Flight FR25 from Paris Beauvais to Dublin was escorted to Prestwick Airport in Scotland by British military jets after a bomb threat was found written inside a magazine on the plane.

The 172 passengers and six cabin crew, who included 71 children from Carlow on their way home from as school tour, were immediately evacuated and questioned by anti-terrorism officers.

The aircraft was also searched, but the incident was later declared a hoax and the plane was allowed to continue on to Dublin, where it landed at around 11.30pm.

Reports this morning said many passengers were crying and hugging relatives when they arrived, while families left waiting in Dublin reportedly criticised Ryanair for failing to keep them up to date on developments.