On Tuesday, at least seven flights across Europe were disrupted due to bomb threats, prompting heightened security measures at several airports, although no explosives were found. The incidents involved flights to Warsaw, Sofia, Rome, and Murcia, with authorities responding swiftly to ensure passenger safety.
Two flights bound for Warsaw, two for Sofia, two for Rome, and one for Murcia were targeted by the threats. Notably, a LOT flight from London was diverted from Warsaw’s Chopin Airport to Modlin Airport, which was temporarily closed for a security check. The airport later confirmed that no devices were discovered, allowing operations to resume.
Details of the Threats
In Sofia, bomb threats were reported for flights arriving from Milan/Bergamo and Dublin. Both flights landed safely, with inspections revealing no explosives. The Milan flight, operated by Wizz Air, carried 176 passengers, while the Dublin flight, operated by Ryanair, had 186 on board. Earlier, a Wizz Air flight from London to Sofia had been diverted to Budapest due to a similar threat.
In Murcia, parts of the airport were cordoned off after a bomb threat was reported on a Ryanair flight from Manchester. Authorities later determined the threat was a hoax, and normal operations resumed after confirming no explosives were on board.
Security Response and Context
In Rome, two Ryanair flights were also subjected to bomb threats, with one flight escorted by the Italian Air Force until it landed safely. Despite the disruptions, operations at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport continued without significant delays.
While no specific group has claimed responsibility for the threats, they come amid heightened tensions in Europe, with officials attributing various disruptive activities to Russia and Iran. Both nations have denied involvement in such actions. Experts suggest that these hoax threats may be part of a broader pattern of low-cost disruption tactics aimed at unsettling European infrastructure.
Eric Schouten, head of the aviation security group Dyami, noted that the recent incidents align with a narrative of state-sponsored efforts to create chaos in Europe, particularly following recent cyberattacks that affected supermarket operations across several countries.
As investigations continue, European authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of passenger safety and the need for coordinated responses to such threats.
For further details, refer to ARN News Centre.
