By — Danica Kirka, Associated Press Danica Kirka, Associated Press By — Jill Lawless, Associated Press Jill Lawless, Associated Press By — Mark Carlson, Associated Press Mark Carlson, Associated Press By — Menelaos Hadjicostis, Associated Press Menelaos Hadjicostis, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-happens-when-airlines-receive-bomb-threats Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter What happens when airlines receive bomb threats? World Nov 5, 2026 5:31 PM EST LONDON (AP) — Hundreds of airline passengers in Europe had their flights diverted or given military escorts this week after a series of bomb threats that officials have said were malicious hoaxes. READ MORE: Flights across Europe face disruption after false bomb threats It was not immediately known who was behind the threats, which came at a time of rising tensions with Russia and warnings that it may be ramping up so-called hybrid attacks in Europe. Here's what happens when airlines receive bomb threats. Threats are assessed and then relayed to pilots Assessors determine whether a threat is credible, partially credible or not credible, according to Joji…
What happens when airlines receive bomb threats?
In short
Recent emailed bomb threats forced European flights into diversions and prompted military escorts, though investigators have not yet identified the perpetrators. Assessors classify each received alert by credibility levels, leaving captains to rely on standardized checklists to manage onboard emergencies or immediate evacuations. Flight crews undergo live situational training to search cabins for hidden explosives when alerts contain specific details. Aviation expert Philip Baum noted that while flight diversions can cost carriers up to $250,000, short-haul routes avoid the steepest overnight expenses.
Key points
- Flight captains maintain final operational authority to execute safety checklists and eme…: Flight captains maintain final operational authority to execute safety checklists and emergency landings after receiving credible threats.
- Security experts suspect coordinated hoaxes may serve as tests to expose defense weakness…: Security experts suspect coordinated hoaxes may serve as tests to expose defense weaknesses and emergency response times.
- Flight crews regularly complete practical situational exercises to prepare for searching…: Flight crews regularly complete practical situational exercises to prepare for searching aircraft cabins for hidden explosive devices.