Bomb threats disrupt at least 25 flights across Europe, raising hybrid war fears

A wave of hoax bomb threats disrupted at least 34 flights across Europe during the week, including 25 on Thursday alone. Flights involving airlines such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, Finnair and easyJet were diverted, delayed or searched across more than a dozen countries. Two Ryanair planes made emergency landings in Sofia, and other aircraft were diverted or held for inspection. Every affected flight landed safely, and searches found no explosives or other suspicious items. Threats also targeted Heathrow and Birmingham airports; police said checks identified no security concerns. The disruptions followed seven similar incidents on Tuesday and a diversion on Monday.

Authorities have not found evidence that a hostile state or terrorist group coordinated the threats, though investigations continue. Emails sent to airports in Rome and Sofia claimed to come from “fighters of the Male State,” a Russian far-right movement, but its founder did not claim responsibility. Officials cautioned that it was too soon to determine whether the incidents were connected. Aviation experts said the volume and apparent credibility of the threats suggested coordinated action, even though the affected flights showed no clear geographic or airline pattern. Because airlines must respond to credible threats, diversions bring substantial costs and disruption. Experts warned that repeated hoaxes could heighten public anxiety and weaken the impact of future alerts, while noting that publicly available flight information makes it easier for outsiders to target specific aircraft.