European airlines and media outlets face new series of bomb threats
A third wave of bomb threats this week targeted flights in several European capitals and prompted evacuations of major Irish media organisations, with authorities warning of a likely coordinated campaign.
European airlines experienced a third wave of bomb threats this week, affecting flights to and from Lisbon, Rome, Prague and Sofia. Hungarian fighter jets escorted three aircraft after threats were reported, and a Ryanair flight from Lisbon to Rome was among those targeted, according to the airline. At least 11 flights in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria and four in France were also threatened, though all landed safely.
The same week, high-profile media outlets in Ireland were evacuated after similar warnings. Staff at the Irish Independent, radio stations Newstalk FM and Today FM, and broadcaster Sky were instructed to leave their premises. Irish police said they were aware of threats made against media organisations across Europe.
The Irish government described the incidents as a "likely coordinated campaign of disruption" and emphasized that hoax threats cause fear and distress without any positive purpose. Prime Minister Micheál Martin called the situation "worrying" and said the safety of the public was the government's top priority.
RTÉ, owned by Comcast, said it had conducted a security assessment and reported the matter to authorities, adding that the safety of its staff was its primary concern. A Telegram message linked to the group "Male State" dismissed speculation about the group's involvement, mocking the idea that it could be behind the threats.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the threats, which have impacted nearly 30 aircraft and several airports across Europe earlier this week.