Threats against seven flights trigger security measures in four European countries

At least seven commercial flights received bomb threats on Tuesday, November 3, prompting security measures in Spain, Italy, Poland and Bulgaria. The warnings involved different aircraft over a period of less than 24 hours. The sequence led airports in those countries to activate emergency procedures, divert aircraft and deploy security resources. The affected airlines included Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Wizz Air.

In Poland, an aircraft carrying 181 people was diverted and an airport temporarily closed. In Murcia, 121 people disembarked while a police operation was deployed. In Italy, two Ryanair flights were inspected and military fighter jets were mobilized. Bulgaria received two threatened aircraft in Sofia. Responses included route changes and ground checks, as well as intervention by airport authorities and security forces.

Some of the warnings arrived by email. The alerts prompted the deployment of combat aircraft and, in certain cases, escorts during the flights. Passengers were also evacuated and airport operations were temporarily suspended. Crisis committees were activated and the affected aircraft were inspected. Those measures unfolded in several cities while authorities handled the threats and flights were diverted or arrived at alternate airports.

The aircraft involved landed without incident, and inspections ruled out the presence of explosives on all of them. The reviews confirmed that the affected planes were not carrying explosive devices, although the series of warnings had required emergency protocols and changes to flight operations. Reporting on the cases included diverted flights, inspected aircraft and passengers required to disembark.

Tuesday's sequence followed another incident on Monday, when a Wizz Air aircraft was sent to Budapest and escorted by a fighter jet. The concentration of threats against several flights in a short period caused concern while authorities responded to the warnings in four countries. Available information on the incidents did not identify anyone responsible for the threats.