Seven Flights Across Europe Targeted by Suspected Bomb Threats as Security Alerts Trigger Airport Disruptions
Seven passenger aircraft operating across Europe have been subjected to security inspections following a series of suspected bomb threats, prompting emergency procedures at airports in several countries.
Two of the affected flights had departed from the UK, while others were travelling from Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Denmark. Although no explosives have been discovered, authorities are examining whether the incidents could be connected.
The UK government described the threats as “malicious hoax threats”, while stressing that established aviation security procedures were activated to protect passengers and crew.
Ryanair Flights Searched After Landing in Rome
Two Ryanair aircraft, one travelling from Dublin and another from Lisbon, were inspected after arriving at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport following anonymous bomb warnings.
According to airport sources cited by the BBC, Italian police bomb disposal specialists carried out security checks on both aircraft, including inspections of passengers, luggage and the planes themselves. No explosives were found, and the security alert was subsequently cleared.
The Dublin flight was escorted by the Italian Air Force before landing in Rome.
UK Flight Diverted in Poland
A Ryanair service travelling from Manchester to Murcia in southern Spain was also inspected after a suspected bomb threat. Spanish authorities confirmed that no explosives were found.
One passenger said travellers were not informed about the threat during the flight. After landing, the aircraft reportedly stopped on the runway and remained there for around 30 minutes before emergency services arrived.
Passengers were then instructed to leave the aircraft and were escorted away by police while security teams examined the plane.
Another affected service, travelling from London Heathrow to Warsaw, was diverted to Warsaw Modlin Airport instead of its intended destination, Warsaw Chopin Airport. The diversion briefly disrupted operations at the smaller airport.
Bulgaria Reports Threats Against Two Flights
Bulgarian authorities also confirmed bomb threats involving two aircraft scheduled to arrive in Sofia. The flights had originated from Bergamo in northern Italy and Dublin, according to Transport Minister Georgi Peev.
Neither aircraft was diverted. Security teams inspected both planes after landing, but no explosives were discovered.
Bulgaria’s border police said they received an email warning about a possible improvised explosive device on the flight from Bergamo. The same message reportedly contained a similar warning concerning the aircraft arriving from Dublin.
Authorities immediately activated standard security procedures and established an operational coordination team involving several institutions.
Authorities Investigate Possible Connections
Although officials have not confirmed any connection between the incidents, authorities in the affected countries are expected to cooperate in assessing whether the threats were coordinated.
Aviation security specialist Paul Mason described the number and geographical spread of the warnings as unusual. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said bomb threats against passenger aircraft were relatively uncommon and suggested that the incidents appeared deliberate rather than coincidental.
He explained that airlines, airport operators and security agencies follow established procedures to assess the credibility of threats. Depending on the level of risk, aircraft may be diverted or directed to isolated areas for inspection.
The UK government said its aviation security system includes well-tested procedures for responding to genuine threats as well as malicious warnings intended to cause disruption.
Separate Bomb Alert Forces Cruise Ship Evacuation in Greece
In a separate incident, a bomb alert prompted the evacuation of 1,537 passengers and crew from the Israel-bound cruise ship Crown Iris, which was docked on the Greek island of Syros.
Initial inspections of the Panama-flagged vessel reportedly found no explosives. The information was attributed to the Greek Coast Guard in media reports from Greece and Israel. The ship was expected to continue its journey after the checks.
The cruise ship incident has not been confirmed as being connected to the aircraft threats.
Previous Bomb Threat Also Disrupts Wizz Air Flight
The latest incidents followed a separate security alert involving a Wizz Air flight travelling from London Luton to Budapest.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in the Hungarian capital and was escorted by a Hungarian fighter jet. Wizz Air later confirmed that security inspections had been completed and that no explosives were found.
What Happens When a Bomb Threat Is Reported on a Plane?
A bomb warning is treated seriously until security teams establish that there is no credible danger, even though many such threats ultimately prove to be false.
Former airline pilot and aviation lecturer Marco Chan told the BBC that flight crews may discreetly inspect areas such as toilets, galleys and storage compartments. Crew members are trained not to handle suspicious objects unnecessarily.
The aircraft’s captain must also consider the safest available airport, the facilities available for emergency inspections and the options for continuing the journey if the warning proves unfounded.
Once an aircraft lands, it is generally moved to an isolated parking position. Passengers are disembarked, and police and specialist bomb disposal teams conduct further searches.
While no explosives have been discovered in the incidents reported so far, the repeated warnings have raised concerns about possible disruption to European aviation operations. Investigations are continuing, and authorities have yet to establish whether the threats were part of a coordinated campaign.
