Wave of Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupts At Least 14 European Flights

European aviation authorities scrambled fighter jets and diverted multiple commercial aircraft on Thursday following a surge of hoax bomb threats. This marks the third day this week of security alerts across the continent, with at least 14 flights targeted, according to reports from euronews.com and RTE.ie.

While no explosives have been discovered, the widespread nature of the alerts has forced significant operational changes. Italian, French, and Bulgarian air forces were deployed to escort targeted planes, ensuring they could land safely at designated airports or military bases.

Fighter jets escort diverted international flights

The wave of threats focused heavily on carriers and routes involving Italy, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. An Aer Lingus flight traveling from Dublin to Rome was diverted to the Évreux airbase in Normandy, France, after receiving a threat, RTE.ie reported. French authorities confirmed that 151 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated for security inspections.

Finnair also reported multiple incidents, including a flight from Helsinki to Rome that was escorted by Italian fighter jets. A spokesperson for the airline, Stiina Tuunanen, confirmed that nothing unusual was found upon landing. Similarly, three Ryanair flights heading to Sofia from Madrid, Copenhagen, and London Stansted were escorted by the Bulgarian air force. Two of these aircraft landed in Sofia, while the third was diverted to Plovdiv Airport.

Security responses in Prague and Warsaw

Czech police reported that four flights bound for Prague received anonymous bomb threats via email. Authorities characterized the credibility of these threats as low but maintained strict security protocols, according to The Irish Times. In Poland, Warsaw airport experienced disruptions as security teams and sniffer dogs were deployed to screen flights, including those operated by LOT Polish Airlines, NBC News noted.

Cork Airport also received an anonymous phone threat, which resulted in a 90-minute delay for a specific flight. Security forces conducted an inspection, found nothing of concern, and allowed the flight to resume operations.

Hybrid warfare concerns

European Union transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated on X that it is currently “too early to draw conclusions” regarding whether the incidents are linked. The origin and specific motives behind the threats remain unknown, though officials have noted an uptick in what they describe as “hybrid attacks” across Europe.

Nicolas Roche general for defence and national security, recently addressed the French parliament regarding a trend of sabotage, cyberattacks, and espionage targeting European infrastructure. While some authorities have previously linked such hybrid activity to Russia or Iran, no specific actor has been identified as the source of this week’s aviation hoaxes.

Authorities confirm passengers face no danger

Are passengers currently at risk on these flights?
Authorities across Europe have stated that there is no danger to passengers; Copenhagen police told AFP that “there is no danger, and there has never been any danger, to passengers or anyone else at the airport.” While the threats have caused significant delays and diversions, all inspected aircraft have been cleared of explosives.

Which airlines have been most affected?
Ryanair, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, and LOT Polish Airlines have all reported receiving hoax alerts, alongside other carriers with flights to or from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Italy.

What happens to flights that receive a threat?
Airlines follow established safety protocols that typically include diverting to the nearest secure airport or military base. Once on the ground, passengers are evacuated, and specialized bomb disposal units conduct a thorough search of the aircraft and luggage before the plane is cleared for further use.

Earlier coverage: Series of Bomb Threat Hoaxes Disrupt Multiple Flights Across Europe

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