Australian Airlines flight from Israel diverted to Bulgaria after 'threat' reported, airline says

An Australian Airlines flight from Israel to Vienna made an emergency landing in Bulgaria on Sunday after a reported "threat," according to the airline. 

The A320 aircraft was traveling from Tel Aviv and was diverted to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. 

"We can confirm that a threat was made against flight OS82 from Tel Aviv to Vienna (TLV to VIE), which necessitated a stopover in Sofia (SOF). The aircraft in question ... is now being searched," a spokesperson for Australian Airlines told USA Today. 

There were 51 passengers and six crew members on board. The passengers were rebooked on an alternative flight after the aircraft was searched completely, the spokesperson said. 

The incident comes less than a month after a Flydubai copilot allegedly attacked the captain of the aircraft with an ax in what was believed to be an attempt to take over the aircraft and crash it into a Tel Aviv airport.