Bristol Airport closed for six hours due to suspicious package

Police have launched a hunt for the person responsible for a major bomb hoax which saw Bristol airport close for six hours.

The airport has since reopened, but further delays are expected.

The package turned up during a routine inspection of Ryanair flight FR8297 after it arrived, a Bristol Airport spokeswoman said.

The airport later said: “The terminal building has now reopened and passengers are advised to check in as normal”.

Representatives from Bristol Airport and Ryanair refused to comment on the investigation.

The spokesman said: “As a result of this disruption a total of 12 inbound flights diverted to other airports, and arrangements are being made to bring aircraft and passengers back to Bristol”.

A host of travellers have taken to Twitter to vent their frustrations, with one writing: “Been stuck on #easyjet plane at #Cardiff airport for 2.5hrs after diverted from #bristolairport”.

The letter was found on a Ryanair flight which landed in Bristol from Alicante at about 11.45pm on Saturday August 22.

“Bristol Airport apologises for the inconvenience caused to passengers but puts safety and security first at all times”.