Bomb Threats Disrupt More Than 20 Flights Across Europe, Triggering Military Escorts and Emergency Diversions

At least 22 passenger flights across Europe were targeted by bomb threats between November 2 and 5, prompting emergency diversions, fighter jet escorts and security inspections in several countries. No explosives have been found in the aircraft inspected.

On Thursday, November 5, an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome, carrying 151 passengers and six crew members, was diverted to the Évreux military airbase in France. Italian fighter jets escorted a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome, while Bulgaria deployed MiG-29 fighters in response to threats against three Ryanair flights heading to Sofia.

A Wizz Air flight from Milan to Warsaw diverted to Vienna, while another from Milan to Bucharest landed safely before passengers were evacuated for security checks.

Two flights bound for Milan, operated by Aegean Airlines and Ryanair, landed as scheduled despite receiving threats. A LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Brussels also landed safely.

Czech police reported threats against four Prague-bound flights and activated security procedures, although they assessed the threats as having low credibility. A separate alert also prompted security checks involving a LOT flight at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport.

European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said an EU-wide aviation security information-sharing mechanism had been activated. Authorities have not established whether the incidents are connected, and investigations remain ongoing.