By — Colleen Barry, Associated Press Colleen Barry, Associated Press By — Angela Charlton, Associated Press Angela Charlton, Associated Press By — David Biller, Associated Press David Biller, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/more-than-a-dozen-flights-in-europe-receive-bomb-threats-that-an-official-calls-malicious-hoaxes Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More than a dozen flights in Europe receive bomb threats that an official calls 'malicious' hoaxes World Nov 5, 2026 1:47 PM EST MILAN (AP) — Bomb threats targeted more than a dozen flights in Europe on Thursday, leading to a slew of emergency landings and military escorts in some cases, authorities said. No hazardous or suspicious materials have been found in what a British official called "malicious" hoaxes. Several similar threats targeted planes earlier this week, prompting searches and diversions. Europe has experienced a slew of other disruptions recently, such as attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, drone incursions and mysterious triggers to alert apps. READ MORE: Flights across Europe face disruption after false bomb threats While fake bomb threats are relatively common, it is unusual to see so many in…
More than a dozen flights in Europe receive bomb threats that an official calls 'malicious' hoaxes
In short
The emergency response included French fighter jets intercepting an Aer Lingus flight bound for Rome from Dublin, diverting it to an air base in Evreux for inspection by explosives specialists. Officials verified that no hazardous substances were found on any of the targeted aircraft, mirroring a pattern of false alarms reported earlier in the week. To counter the escalating operational challenge, European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas activated an EU aviation security information-sharing mechanism to aid ongoing national investigations.
Key points
- European authorities activated an EU aviation security information-sharing mechanism to m…: European authorities activated an EU aviation security information-sharing mechanism to monitor the wave of disruptions and coordinate national inquiries.
- Investigators have not yet established who orchestrated the malicious hoaxes, confirmed s…: Investigators have not yet established who orchestrated the malicious hoaxes, confirmed single-sender origin, or uncovered their ultimate motives.
- Security specialists believe the coordinated false alarms were intentionally staged to im…: Security specialists believe the coordinated false alarms were intentionally staged to impose severe economic strain and test emergency response protocols.