SNOW TV NEWS DESK
European aviation authorities were placed on high alert on Thursday after a fresh wave of suspected hoax bomb threats targeted nearly 20 flights across the continent, marking the third consecutive day of such incidents this week.
The threats prompted Italian, French, and Bulgarian fighter jets to scramble and escort several aircraft, while some flights were diverted to alternative airports. Despite the disruption and heightened security response, all affected aircraft landed safely, and searches found no explosives.
The incidents largely targeted low-cost airlines, particularly flights operating to and from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. Routes involving Greece, Britain, and other European destinations were also affected.
Fighter jets deployed as flights are diverted
At least five aircraft received military escorts following the threats. Bulgaria deployed fighter jets to accompany three Ryanair flights travelling to Sofia from Madrid, Copenhagen, and London Stansted. Security officials subsequently inspected the aircraft but found no explosives.
In another incident, French fighter jets escorted an Aer Lingus flight travelling from Dublin to Rome before it was diverted to a military airbase near Évreux.
Other affected aircraft were rerouted, including a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Sofia, which landed in Plovdiv, and a Wizz Air flight travelling from Milan to Warsaw, which was diverted to Vienna.
Suspicious messages raise questions about the motive.
The motive behind the threats remains unclear, and no individual or organization has claimed responsibility.
However, a message reportedly sent to the company managing Rome’s airports contained misogynistic and extremist language. It threatened two flights travelling from Helsinki and Dublin to Rome while referring to a group known as the “Male State.”
Although the movement is associated with far-right ideology in Russia, investigators have not established any connection between it and the threats.
Prague Airport also confirmed receiving threatening emails from anonymous accounts.
European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about whether the incidents were connected.
Growing concerns over Europe’s aviation security
The latest incidents come amid increasing concerns about hybrid threats targeting European infrastructure. European authorities have previously raised suspicions about foreign-linked activities, including operations potentially associated with Russia or Iran, although no such connection has been established in this case.
Security agencies across the continent have maintained that the threats appear to have low credibility. Nevertheless, authorities have activated precautionary security measures to protect passengers and airport facilities.
Passengers caught between fear and reassurance
The repeated alerts have understandably unsettled travellers, particularly those passing through major European airports.
While some passengers expressed serious concerns about aviation security, others described the incidents as worrying but not enough to disrupt their travel plans.
Importantly, the affected flights represent only a small fraction of Europe’s overall air traffic. Eurocontrol estimated that more than 25,000 flights were scheduled across the continent on Thursday.
The latest wave follows similar incidents on Tuesday, when 10 flights received bomb threats, forcing airport disruptions and military deployments. A separate Wizz Air flight travelling from London to Sofia was also diverted to Budapest on Monday.
Although investigators have yet to identify those responsible, the repeated threats highlight a growing challenge for European aviation: how to respond decisively to potential security threats without allowing deliberate hoaxes to create widespread panic, disrupt air travel, and undermine public confidence.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
