Hoax bomb threats disrupt at least 25 flights across Europe
A wave of hoax bomb threats disrupted at least 25 flights across Europe on Wednesday, adding to a total of at least 32 flights affected this week. All incidents were confirmed as false alarms, and no injuries or arrests have been reported. The threats, sent via email, targeted multiple airlines and countries, causing diversions and delays.
European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol noted that the affected flights represented a tiny fraction of the 27,400 flights scheduled in Europe on Wednesday. The global airlines body IATA condemned the “attempts to interrupt air transport” and urged authorities to find the origins of the hoaxes. No intelligence yet points to a particular group or state actor, though concerns have been raised about hybrid incidents targeting Europe.
Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto said the incidents fit a pattern of “warfare below the threshold,” making attribution difficult. Local reports in Bulgaria and Italy indicated that some emails were signed “the fighters of the Male State,” raising concerns about possible Russian links. One pilot affected by the events was questioned by French authorities after reportedly declining to land at a military airport; Aer Lingus said it was aware of the matter and would cooperate.
