Coordinated bomb threats targeting at least 14 European flights trigger continent-wide security response

A screengrab from a video shows a police officer removing baggage from a Ryanair airplane, after Ryanair's operations centre reported a bomb threat received during the flight from Manchester to Murcia, according to Guardia Civil, in Murcia, Spain, November 3, 2026. (Photo/Reuters)

A series of coordinated bomb threats targeting at least 14 passenger flights across Europe has triggered a widespread security response, leading to aircraft diversions, emergency inspections and heightened security measures at several airports.

European authorities have launched investigations after multiple flights received bomb threats believed to be linked, disrupting operations in several countries. While the threats prompted extensive security checks, no explosives had been discovered on any of the affected aircraft as of Thursday.

Among the incidents was an Aer Lingus flight travelling from Dublin to Rome, which was diverted to a military facility in France for inspection. The aircraft was later cleared by authorities.

A separate Finnair flight bound for Rome was escorted by Italian military fighter jets before landing safely. Other airlines reportedly affected by the threats included LOT Polish Airlines and Ryanair.

FILE - A Ryanair plane with registration number SP-RSM, that was carrying Belarus opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich from Athens to Vilnius and was diverted to Minsk, Belarus, after a bomb threat, lands at the International Airport outside Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis, File)

Security agencies across Europe responded by increasing screening and inspection measures. Airports in Prague, Copenhagen and Warsaw were among those that carried out additional searches and security procedures following the alerts.

Authorities said the threats were delivered through a variety of channels, including emails sent to aviation stakeholders. Two flights heading to Rome reportedly received threats referencing opposition to the country's “feminist government”, an apparent reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the incidents appeared to be connected, though investigators had yet to determine who was responsible or what motivated the threats. He also noted there was no evidence at this stage linking the incidents to a cyberattack.

Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the threats. Investigations remain ongoing across multiple jurisdictions as European security agencies work to determine the source of the coordinated alerts.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer