The flight left Lyon in France and was heading towards Rennes on Friday afternoon when an anonymous phone call sparked the emergency. Passengers were disembarked and their baggage searched after the plane landed from 32,00 feet. “The flight turned around after an anonymous phone call,” a French air transport spokesman said.
The plane was due to land at 4.15pm local time in Rennes, but arrived back in Lyon-Saint Exupery airport just before 4pm.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene and air traffic was disrupted for 40 minutes while the bomb threat was probed.
An EasyJet spokesman said: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY4319 from Lyon to Rennes on 18 January returned to Lyon as a result of security related issue.
“The captain took the decision as a precaution only.
“The aircraft landed safely and was met by the fire brigade and the police in line with procedures.
“Passengers disembarked normally and were provided with information and refreshments.
“The flight will be operated tonight by a replacement aircraft and crew from London Luton. The aircraft was cleared by the authorities although crew was not fit to fly and no replacement crew was available in Lyon.
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority.”
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