Authorities and airlines across Europe are investigating a series of at least 35 bomb threats directed at passenger aircraft between Monday, Nov. 2, and Friday, Nov. 6. Government officials and aviation analysts have characterized the incidents as a coordinated campaign of malicious hoaxes, as no explosive devices have been discovered and no injuries have been reported. The threats targeted flights traveling to or from several countries, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Italy, and Spain.
The surge in threats led to operational disruptions, including flight diversions and the deployment of military aircraft. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, a French air force jet intercepted an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome, which was carrying 157 people; the plane was diverted to a French air base in Normandy. Similarly, on Thursday, Nov. 5, the Bulgarian Air Force scrambled jets to intercept three Ryanair flights, and the Italian Air Force sent Eurofighter jets to escort a Finnair flight traveling from Helsinki to Rome.
While a European Commission spokesperson stated on Tuesday that it is too early to determine if the incidents are linked, analysts from the aviation risk management firm Osprey Flight Solutions said the wave of threats is likely a coordinated campaign. Some analysts suggested a possible connection to Russian state actors or sympathizers as part of a "hybrid warfare" strategy intended to disrupt European aviation. Western officials have previously accused Russia of conducting operations like sabotage and arson across the continent, though the Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement in such actions.
The threats affected passengers and crew members across at least 35 confirmed flights over a five-day period, with at least 19 aircraft targeted on Thursday, Nov. 5. This resulted in changes to travel plans, including five flights that were diverted to unscheduled airports and others that were held for security searches upon landing. Beyond the delays, passengers on escorted flights experienced the presence of fighter jets flying alongside their commercial aircraft.
The disruption involved multiple national air forces, police departments, and international airlines. The costs include the deployment of military interceptors, fuel for diversions, and the mobilization of security teams. Police in Prague searched four arriving aircraft on Thursday, while Madrid Airport received threats affecting four flights on Friday morning. These security protocols require the screening of planes and luggage.
NATO officials confirmed they are monitoring the situation and coordinating with allies who responded by transferring some scrambled aircraft to NATO command. NATO leadership has said hybrid warfare campaigns are intended to weaken support for Ukraine or undermine resolve. Following the condemnation of these acts by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), authorities are working to trace the origin of the anonymous phone calls and emails used to deliver the threats. No specific deadline for the conclusion of these investigations has been set.