Norwegian Air plane traveling to France evacuated in Stockholm after bomb threat

(Norwegian Air Shuttle plane)

Norwegian Air Shuttle plane on the tarmac at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, where it returned safely after receiving a bomb threat shortly after take-off. The plane was on its way to Nice in France before returning to Arlanda Airport. , AFP

All 169 passengers and the crew of a Norwegian Air Shuttle plane that returned to Arlanda airport outside Stockholm after receiving a bomb threat on Thursday have been evacuated, Swedish police said.

"The national bomb squad will shortly begin a search of the plane," the police said in a statement.

Passengers had to wait about two hours after the plane landed at 11:14 am (10:14 GMT) before being allowed off in small groups, according to daily Expressen.

Passengers are being interviewed by police in a hangar at the airport, the paper said.

Swedish television said the plane had been carrying some members of the Swedish swimming team traveling to France for a competition and a training camp.

Police said earlier that the threat had been made against a specific plane. Norwegian confirmed the threat was against flight DY4321 from Arlanda to Nice in France.