New wave of bomb threats hits European flights, media outlets

A new wave of bomb threats hit both civilian aviation and media organisations across Europe on Friday. RTE and the Independent evacuated their Irish offices, while Sky reported a security threat later. Dozens of flights also received similar warnings, creating disruption even though no explosive device was found.

Authorities treated each warning seriously. Denmark investigated threats involving Copenhagen air traffic, Czech police reported threats to flights involving Prague, and France recorded four threats to aircraft over its territory. A Wizz Air flight was diverted from Prague to Venice, while a Ryanair flight from Rome to Lisbon faced a security operation after landing.

The threats formed the third wave that week. Earlier warnings had caused unplanned landings and fighter-jet escorts or interceptions. All affected aircraft landed safely. No government has identified a verified perpetrator, leaving open possibilities ranging from personal grievances and copycats to a coordinated hybrid attack.

A hoax bomb threat is a false warning intended to create fear, disruption, or a security response. In this episode, authorities described the warnings as hoaxes because no explosive devices were found and every affected aircraft landed safely. The threat itself was real as a message, but the claimed bomb was not confirmed.

A confirmed explosive threat is different because investigators find a device or credible evidence that one exists. That distinction changes the danger assessment, though officials must initially treat an unverified warning seriously. For example, an email sent to Italian airport addresses claimed devices were aboard flights from Helsinki and Dublin and would explode within 60 minutes. No device was reported.

Hoaxes can still have major consequences. They caused diversions, unplanned landings, security operations, evacuations, and fighter escorts. They also consume police, airport, airline, and military resources. Until checks are complete, authorities cannot safely assume a threat is fake.

The campaign was unusually widespread and unfolded in repeated waves. By the end of Thursday, nearly 30 flights had been affected. On Tuesday, at least seven flights and a cruise ship received hoax threats. Similar warnings then disrupted dozens of passenger flights again on Friday.

The affected locations included Copenhagen, Prague, French airspace, Rome, Lisbon, and other European routes. Czech authorities recorded threats involving four inbound and five outbound Prague flights. France reported four new threats to aircraft flying over its territory. One Wizz Air flight diverted to Venice, and a Ryanair service received a security response after landing.

The targets extended beyond aviation. RTE and the Independent evacuated their offices in Ireland, and Sky reported a security threat in Britain. These figures describe reported targets, not confirmed attacks. No explosive devices were found, and no government verified who sent the messages.

When a bomb threat arrives, aviation authorities assess the message and coordinate an immediate safety response. The aircraft may continue, divert, make an unplanned landing, or receive a military escort. On the ground, police and airport teams can secure the plane, manage passengers, and search for evidence.

The article gives several examples. A Wizz Air flight from Prague to Rome diverted safely to Venice. A Ryanair flight from Rome to Lisbon prompted a security operation after landing. On Thursday, some planes made unplanned landings, while fighter jets escorted or intercepted others. Prague officials said no flights were cancelled or diverted from those threats, despite checks.

These measures can disrupt schedules and strain airport resources. They are precautionary, not proof that a bomb exists. In this wave, no explosive devices were found and all planes landed safely. Airports can resume normal operations when authorities judge there is no immediate danger, as Copenhagen airport reported.

Fighter jets can be used when national authorities need to monitor, identify, redirect, or control a civilian aircraft during a serious security concern. Their presence provides a rapid way to communicate with a plane and ensure it follows instructions. It does not by itself prove that explosives are aboard.

The article describes several such responses. On Thursday, bomb threats prompted fighter jets to escort or intercept some aircraft. France said jets intercepted an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome and escorted it to an air force base at Evreux after the pilot did not cooperate as expected. Bulgaria's Air Force also said its jets escorted three airliners.

These actions are unusual and can alarm passengers, but they are part of a wider precautionary response. The aircraft involved landed safely, and no explosive devices were found. The French account did not explain the pilot's behaviour, so the article does not establish why cooperation was lacking.

Many European officials have accused Russia of directing sabotage and hybrid attacks since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Denmark, Poland, and Romania have previously made direct accusations, while Germany blamed Russia for an August attack on Leipzig Airport. Britain has also linked Iran to a suspected plot against a US air base.

The article does not establish that either country sent these bomb threats. No government identified the perpetrator, and no claim of responsibility was verified. A message sent to Italian airport addresses falsely claimed to come from “fighters of the Male State.” Vladislav Pozdnyakov said that group no longer existed and denied involvement.

Security expert Eric Schouten said the activity could reflect personal grievances or copycats, but also showed signs of a coordinated hybrid attack. Such operations can be inexpensive and easily denied. Russia and Iran denied earlier accusations, and the evidence in this case remained insufficient to identify a responsible actor.

During a suspected threat, the airline crew follows instructions and communicates with air-traffic control. Controllers share information with airport security and national authorities. Airport teams prepare a safe landing area, isolate or inspect the aircraft, and manage passengers. Police investigate the message and search for evidence.

National authorities can order a diversion, restrict airspace, or request fighter jets. The article describes this coordination in practice. France sent jets to escort an Aer Lingus flight to Evreux. Italy reported a Wizz Air diversion to Venice, and a Ryanair aircraft received a security operation after landing. Prague officials checked threatened inbound and outbound flights.

The system aims to protect people while limiting unnecessary disruption. Each warning remains unverified until checks are complete, so agencies act cautiously. In this wave, all planes landed safely and no devices were found. Airports then reported normal operations or continued investigations, depending on the local assessment.