Bomb hoaxes disrupt at least 18 flights across Europe, prompting diversions and fighter jet escorts
Bomb threats disrupted at least 18 passenger flights across Europe on November 5, forcing aircraft diversions, security inspections and fighter jet escorts in the second wave of such incidents this week, the BBC reported.
No explosives have been reported found aboard the affected aircraft. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the incidents as "malicious hoax threats."
An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to the Evreux military air base in northern France. All 151 passengers and six crew members were brought to safety, while bomb disposal teams inspected the aircraft, according to the French prime minister's office.
Other disruptions included a Wizz Air flight from Milan to Warsaw that was diverted to Vienna and a LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Paris that was stopped before takeoff. LOT said inspections found no hazardous items aboard its affected aircraft.
Czech police inspected four flights arriving in Prague after receiving warnings about an improvised explosive device. No explosives were found.
The threats also affected flights operated by Finnair, Ryanair and Aegean Airlines. Military aircraft were deployed to escort some flights, with authorities in Austria, Italy and Bulgaria confirming fighter jet involvement.
Threats to "turn the skies red"
Airport operator Aeroporti di Roma confirmed to the BBC that it had received threatening emails signed by a purported group calling itself "Fighters of the Male State."
The messages claimed to target a "feminist regime" and threatened explosions that would "turn the skies red."
The identity of the senders and any connection to other threats have not been established.
European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas said it was "too early" to determine whether the incidents were linked, adding that national investigations were ongoing and the EU was closely monitoring developments.
At least seven other flights across Europe were targeted by similar threats on November 3. No explosives were found in those cases either.
Aviation security experts warned that even false threats can cause costly disruptions, forcing airlines, airports and security services to respond as though a genuine danger may exist.