Europe sees surge in hoax bomb threats disrupting over 30 flights

More than 30 flights across Europe were disrupted this week after a wave of hoax bomb threats forced diversions, emergency landings and fighter-jet escorts. At least 27 flights were affected on Thursday, including services in Italy, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Poland and the United Kingdom. All aircraft landed safely and security checks found no explosives.

Among the incidents, a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome was escorted by fighter jets, an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to a French military airbase, and three Ryanair flights bound for Sofia were intercepted by Bulgarian jets. Other affected carriers included LOT Polish Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Wizz Air, with several flights diverted to alternate airports such as Budapest, Plovdiv and Warsaw Modlin.

No clear pattern has emerged, though a notable number of flights either originated or were destined for Italy, and Ryanair reported the highest number of incidents. European Union transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said it was “too early to draw conclusions on whether the reported incidents are linked.”

Authorities have not identified the perpetrators. An Italian airport source told Reuters that an email titled “Threat report” was sent to multiple airlines and airport operators, claiming devices had been placed on inbound flights and would explode within 60 minutes. The message, allegedly from “fighters of the Male State,” could not be independently verified, and a Russian blogger associated with the defunct Male State denied involvement.

Security experts noted that while hoax bomb threats are not uncommon, the coordination and scale this week are unusual. Philip Baum, a visiting professor of aviation security at Coventry University, said the events “seem to be coordinated to some extent.” Others suggested the threats could be part of a broader “hybrid attack” strategy aimed at testing response procedures and sowing uncertainty in air travel.

The incidents coincided with unrelated cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems in several European countries, but no link has been established. Aviation security officials highlighted the costly nature of such disruptions; Baum estimated that diverting a flight can cost up to US$250,000, though expenses may be lower for short-haul routes.

Airlines follow protocols set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Joji Waites, director of flight safety at the British Airline Pilots Association, explained that threats are graded for credibility and, if deemed credible, pilots are instructed to land as soon as safely possible.

Investigations remain ongoing as European authorities seek to determine whether the threats are isolated hoaxes, copycat actions or part of a coordinated campaign.