06.11.2026 14:53
A series of bomb threats targeting passenger planes in Europe caused panic. At least 8 flights departing from or arriving in Czechia were reported to have been threatened, while some aircraft were diverted to different airports and others were escorted by fighter jets. No explosives were found during security checks, and authorities are investigating the source of the threats and whether there is a connection between the incidents.
A series of bomb threats in European airspace in recent days has put airports and airlines on alert. According to information reported by AFP, security measures were increased due to threats targeting especially flights connected to Czechia, Bulgaria and Italy. While most of the reports were determined to be unfounded, authorities began investigating the source of the threats.
BOMB ALERT ON PLANES FLYING TO PRAGUE
Following threatening messages received at Prague Airport in Czechia, police teams took action. Airport authorities announced that the bomb reports were sent by unidentified people via email.
On November 5, four aircraft arriving in Prague from Athens, Dublin, Glasgow and Newcastle were taken for security inspection. All the planes landed safely, and no explosives were found in searches carried out after passengers were evacuated.
Czech police reported that they assessed the threats as having low credibility but that necessary security measures were taken.
FIGHTER JETS SCRAMBLED
Bomb reports were not limited to Czechia. In France, Italy and Bulgaria, fighter jets were scrambled to escort passenger planes that had received threats.
The Aer Lingus plane traveling from Dublin to Rome was diverted to the Evreux military airbase near Paris, accompanied by French fighter jets. Three Ryanair planes traveling from Madrid, Copenhagen and London to Bulgaria's capital Sofia also flew under military escort due to the security alert.
The plane departing from London to Sofia was redirected to Plovdiv, while another plane traveling from Milan to Warsaw was redirected to Vienna. No explosives were found in the checks.
RUSSIA-LINKED GROUP NAMED IN THREAT MESSAGES
Some threat messages examined by AFP contained statements by people identifying themselves as "Male State warriors." Although the name of Male State, known as a far-right movement in Russia, was mentioned in the messages, it could not be verified that the threats were actually sent by this group.
Investigations continue into the source of the messages and whether the incidents are connected to each other.
MEASURES INCREASED FOR FLIGHT SECURITY IN EUROPE
European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated that it was still too early to reach a conclusion on whether the incidents were connected.
On November 6, security measures were also taken in Czechia and Denmark following new threats. Authorities announced that the reports were being assessed and that necessary checks were continuing to ensure flight security.