European flights face new bomb threats
Authorities in France, Italy, and Denmark responded to multiple alerts on Friday as hoaxes continue to disrupt air travel across the continent.
By Aaron Foster ·
European air traffic officials reported a new cluster of bomb threats on Friday, continuing a week of disruptions that have forced flight diversions and security checks across the continent. No suspicious items were found, and no injuries were reported in the latest incidents.
The wave of alerts began earlier this week, when more than two dozen flights were affected by threats. Some aircraft were diverted while authorities worked to rule out danger. On Thursday, an email sent to airport authorities in Rome claimed the threat came from an anti-feminist group targeting a feminist regime. A similar threat was received at another European airport, though it is unclear if the sender was the same.
On Friday, the office of French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced four new bomb threats against aircraft flying over French territory. The planes landed safely, and bomb disposal experts conducted inspections. In Italy, a WizzAir flight from Prague to Rome was diverted to Venice after a bomb alert. Passengers were evacuated, and security checks were carried out. Police said the inspections produced negative results, and air traffic resumed after a temporary suspension.
Other carriers reported similar issues. A Tarom flight from Prague to Bucharest received a threat but landed as planned. Portuguese police inspected a Ryanair flight from Lisbon to Rome, and additional screening was required for passengers and luggage. In Denmark, police investigated threats at Copenhagen airport for the second consecutive day. Officials stated that air traffic proceeded without disruption.
Czech police worked with Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport to address threats to nine flights. Spokesperson Denisa Hejtmánková said the affected planes included arrivals from Denmark, Spain, and Britain, and departures to the Netherlands, Cyprus, Romania, Italy, and Britain. She noted that security measures had a minimal impact on normal operations.
Paul Reuter, vice president of the European Cockpit Association, said pilots are prepared to respond professionally. He noted that crews review procedures, identify diversion airports, and may carry extra fuel. Reuter described the use of civil aviation for geopolitical disruption as totally unacceptable.
In Ireland, the Dublin headquarters of national broadcaster RTE was evacuated Friday after a bomb threat. An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, said it was aware of threats against media organizations in Europe. Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the incidents show how simple it is to cause disruption. He added that a large security operation would be in place next week when Dublin hosts meetings of the European Political Community and European Union leaders.
