25+ flights affected by bomb threats across Europe

At least 27 passenger flights across Europe were affected by hoax bomb threats on Thursday, November 5, forcing aircraft diversions, unplanned landings, and security inspections, as authorities responded to a second wave of threats this week, Reuters reported.

In Poland, a LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Paris was stopped while taxiing toward the runway for takeoff following a security alert. Passengers were instructed to leave the aircraft and were transferred to another plane as a precaution. Footage shared on social media showed security personnel on the tarmac at Warsaw Chopin Airport as passengers disembarked. According to the person who shared the footage, passengers were told the flight had been aborted for safety reasons before eventually departing for Paris around three hours behind schedule.

The threats affected several major airlines, including Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, LOT, Finnair, easyJet, and Iberia, with flights to Paris, Rome, Milan, Prague, Brussels, and Sofia among those affected. In France, fighter jets were dispatched to intercept an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome and escort it to an air force base in Evreux. Meanwhile, Bulgaria's air force escorted three aircraft to the ground, while Spanish authorities investigated multiple emailed threats targeting flights at Madrid airport.

No country has been directly blamed for the latest threats. However, the incidents come amid growing concerns over suspected hybrid attacks targeting critical infrastructure across Europe. Russia has previously been accused by several European governments of involvement in sabotage operations, allegations Moscow denies.

The latest wave follows similar threats on Tuesday, when at least seven flights and a cruise ship were targeted. Aviation security experts have warned that such incidents could be intended both to disrupt operations and to test how airlines, airports, and authorities respond to security threats.