In brief
A surge of anonymous bomb threats has forced more than 20 passenger flights to divert, prompted fighter jets to scramble, and led to thorough security checks across European airports. No explosives were found in any investigation, but analysts warn the incidents could be copy‑cat, individual, or part of hybrid warfare, aiming to create uncertainty and test response systems.
A fresh wave of bomb threats on European flights disrupted more than 20 passenger journeys across the continent on Thursday, forcing aircraft to divert, fighting jets to scramble, and airports to launch emergency inspections, yet no explosives were found in the investigations so far.
The alerts targeted airlines such as Ryanair, Finnair, Wizz Air, Aer Lingus, LOT Polish Airlines and Aegean Airlines, affecting flights between Britain, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Greece.
Authorities say many of the threats came through anonymous emails. For example, a single email written in Italian was sent to Rome’s Fiumicino airport operator and other airport‑based companies, triggering alerts for two Rome‑bound flights from Helsinki and Dublin. Similar warnings appeared at other airports, including Milan Malpensa.
Osprey Flight Solutions analyst Matthew Borie said the incidents could be copy‑cat behavior, repeated warnings by one individual or group, or an operation linked to hybrid warfare by state actors or their supporters.
The European Commission noted that it was too early to determine the source or intent of the threats, but officials stressed the importance of coordinated cross‑border security responses.
Security experts warn that repeated false warnings can create passenger uncertainty, impose additional costs on airlines, and test aviation authorities’ reaction procedures, even if no real attack is intended.
Reuters reports that bomb threats can stem from a wide range of motives, including political grievances, activist campaigns and criminal activity. However, investigations are ongoing and no explosives have been found to date.
