The Daily PulseBusiness
Hoax bomb threats disrupt dozens of flights across Europe
Reported by Neha Sharma (Staff Writer) · The Guardian - Business ·
Confirmed by a second source: ABC News Australia - Business
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsMalicious hoax bomb threats disrupted at least 25 to 27 flights across Europe on Thursday, forcing emergency landings and diversions in a wave of travel disruption. The alerts affected flights operated by multiple airlines including Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, Finnair, easyJet, Aegean Airlines, Iberia, Sky Express, Air Serbia and LOT.
What Happened
Airports and flights across numerous European countries received warnings, following similar hoax alerts on Tuesday and Monday that brought total affected flights to at least 33 this week. Airports in Rome and Sofia received emailed threats signed by a Russian far-right movement called Male State. Investigators have found no evidence linking the hoaxes to a hostile state or terror group, and searches of the planes discovered no explosives. Officials note the disruptions formed a tiny fraction of the 27,400 flights scheduled in Europe on Thursday.
Context
Security experts note that handling malicious hoaxes requires standard safety protocols including emergency diversions and thorough aircraft searches, regardless of whether the threats are ultimately verified as false. Such incidents highlight the operational challenges faced by commercial aviation when dealing with anonymous threats designed primarily to cause widespread disruption.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
A coordinated wave of anonymous bomb threats targeted multiple airlines and airports across Europe over several days, forcing emergency landings, military fighter jet escorts, and thorough security checks of aircraft.
Why It Matters
Although the threats proved to be hoaxes with no explosives found, they exposed the high economic and operational costs of aviation security protocols. Frequent false alarms strain emergency services, disrupt travel for thousands of passengers, and raise concerns about deliberate attempts to cause logistical chaos and test civil defense readiness.
What Happens Next
European authorities and intelligence agencies continue to investigate the origins of the threats to identify those responsible. Aviation security bodies are reviewing protocols to manage similar mass disruption campaigns without compromising passenger safety or causing unnecessary panic.
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