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Bomb threat on flight to Barcelona: What we know — and what matters now

Why Flights May Circle Before an Emergency Landing

A short explanation of why flights may hold in the air during a security incident or emergency.

Published: April 22, 2026
Bomb threat on flight to Barcelona: What we know — and what matters now

Answer

How long can a flight circle before landing in an emergency?

There is no fixed rule, because it depends on the situation, the airport, and the instructions from air traffic control. In the Barcelona incident, the aircraft circled for about 20 minutes before it could land. That kind of delay can feel much longer to passengers, especially when they do not know what is happening.

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