Bomb threats disrupt several flights across Europe

The incidents affected flights in Austria, France, Italy, Belgium, Czechia, Spain, Serbia and Bulgaria. Planes made unscheduled landings in Evreux, France; Vienna, Austria; and Bulgaria. A flight from Finland landed in Rome as scheduled but with a military escort, while others touched down at their destinations amid security alerts.

The French incident became public first, involving an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome that was diverted to Evreux airbase west of Paris. France's air force dispatched planes to escort the aircraft, which landed safely.

Widespread Security Concerns

Finnair reported two planes landing at their destinations with security scares, including one from Helsinki to Rome with military escort. A Wizz Air flight from Milan to Warsaw made an unscheduled landing in Vienna.

Bulgaria reported three aircraft making emergency landings due to bomb threats, including three Ryanair flights to Sofia from Copenhagen, Madrid and London Stansted. Two landed in Sofia as scheduled while one diverted to Plovdiv.

Previous Incidents and Investigations

Thursday's threats follow similar incidents earlier this week that turned out to be hoaxes. Preliminary information shows no dangerous materials reported in Thursday's threats yet.

European authorities are investigating potential connections between the incidents. Previous threats targeted airlines including LOT, Scandinavian Airlines, Wizz Air and Ryanair, causing diversions and major security mobilizations.

Broader Security Context

The disruptions coincide with apparent cyberattacks targeting freezer units in major supermarkets and French blood banks. Authorities note these cases have potential hallmarks of hybrid attacks designed to cause maximum disruption with minimal resources.

Italian police reported two planes landing at Milan's Malpensa airport after receiving bomb alerts, while Madrid authorities called their threats hoaxes after security searches. Air Serbia confirmed a flight from Belgrade to Bucharest landed safely after receiving a bomb threat.

Czech authorities prepared officials at Prague airport for four landings after threats of improvised explosive devices being on board. Investigations continue across Europe to determine if these incidents are connected.