Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt European Flights for Third Day

On November 5, 2026, European flights faced a wave of hoax bomb threats for the third consecutive day. Authorities reported that at least 20 flights were affected, prompting the deployment of fighter jets from Italy, France, and Bulgaria.

The threats particularly targeted low-cost airlines and flights to or from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. Although three flights were diverted, all landed safely, and no explosives were found.

Among the flights affected, Bulgaria’s air force escorted three Ryanair planes from Madrid, Copenhagen, and London Stansted to Sofia. French fighter jets accompanied an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome, diverting it to a military base near Paris.

An anonymous message sent to Rome’s airport management claimed that explosive devices were placed on two flights. The message included misogynistic language and referenced a far-right group in Russia, although no direct link has been confirmed.

Despite the threats, most flights landed without incident, including a Lot Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Brussels. Authorities in the Czech Republic assessed the threats as low credibility but heightened security measures nonetheless.

Travelers at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport expressed mixed feelings about the situation. Some were concerned about security in Europe, while others felt only slight worry.

This incident follows earlier threats earlier in the week when 10 flights were targeted, all of which were later determined to be hoaxes.