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Europe Targeted by Wave of Fake Bomb Threats
5 Nov
Summary
- Over 14 European flights experienced hoax bomb alerts across three days.
- Low-cost carriers and flights to/from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Italy were targeted.
- Fighter jets from Italy, France, and Bulgaria scrambled to escort affected aircraft.
European airspace faced significant disruption for a third consecutive day as a wave of hoax bomb threats targeted at least 14 flights. These alarming alerts predominantly affected low-cost airlines and flights operating to or from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
In response to the threats, fighter jets from Italy, France, and Bulgaria were scrambled to escort the impacted aircraft. For instance, Italian air force jets accompanied a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome, while French fighters guided an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to a military base near Paris. Bulgaria's air force also escorted three planes that received threats.
Despite the diversions, all affected flights landed safely, and subsequent inspections found no explosives. This series of hoaxes has led to over 20 reported incidents this week, with Ryanair being a frequent target. Flights bound for Sofia, Prague, and Copenhagen experienced these threats, with some being rerouted to alternative airports for safety checks. The origin and motivations behind these incidents remain unknown, but they occur amidst a rise in hybrid attacks across Europe.
