At least 12 European flights have been targeted by bomb threats, forcing emergency diversions, fighter jet escorts and security checks across several countries.
The incidents, reported on Thursday, November 5, 2026, marked the third day of bomb alerts disrupting air travel across Europe.
According to Channels Television, citing reports from authorities and airlines, several aircraft received fighter jet escorts, while at least three flights were diverted to alternative airports.
Italian, French and Bulgarian fighter jets were deployed as security agencies responded to the threats, which particularly affected low-cost airlines and flights travelling to or from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Italy.
All affected aircraft landed safely, and security inspections found no explosives.
Ryanair Flights Targeted
Three Ryanair flights heading to Sofia, Bulgaria, from Madrid, Copenhagen and London Stansted were targeted by bomb threats.
Two aircraft landed safely at Sofia Airport, while the London Stansted flight was diverted to Plovdiv Airport.
Bulgarian fighter jets escorted all three aircraft as part of security operations.
The planes were subsequently inspected, but authorities found no explosives or suspicious devices.
Finnair Flights Receive Security Escorts
A Finnair flight travelling from Helsinki to Rome was escorted by an Italian fighter jet following a bomb threat.
Security personnel inspected the aircraft after it landed at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.
Finnair spokesperson Stiina Tuunanen confirmed that nothing unusual was discovered during the checks.
Another false bomb threat was reported on flight AY1471, travelling from Helsinki to Vienna.
Wizz Air Diverts Flights
Wizz Air confirmed that a flight from Milan to Warsaw was diverted to Vienna following a bomb threat.
The airline said the decision was taken in line with established safety protocols and procedures.
Another Wizz Air flight travelling from Milan to Bucharest landed safely at its destination, after which a crisis management unit was activated at Henri Coanda Airport.
Aer Lingus Flight Diverted to France
An Aer Lingus flight travelling from Dublin to Rome was diverted to a military airbase in Évreux, France, following a bomb threat.
French authorities confirmed that military aircraft escorted the passenger plane to the airbase west of Paris.
Aer Lingus said the aircraft landed safely and that arrangements would be made to help passengers continue their journeys.
Prague and Copenhagen Also Affected
Four Prague-bound aircraft operated by Ryanair, easyJet and Sky Express were among those targeted.
Czech police said they considered the credibility of the threats low but had activated all necessary security measures.
Prague Airport spokeswoman Denisa Hejtmankova said the threats were received through emails from anonymous addresses.
Two aircraft arriving in Copenhagen were also subjected to bomb alerts.
Copenhagen police said their assessment indicated there was no danger to passengers or other people at the airport.
Origin of Threats Remains Unknown
The origin and motives behind the threats remain unclear.
However, the incidents have raised concerns about a growing pattern of hybrid attacks across Europe, with authorities previously linking some suspected sabotage activities to Russia and Iran.
France’s Secretary-General for Defence and National Security, Nicolas Roche, had earlier highlighted the increasing threat of sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incidents and espionage across Europe.
Earlier in the week, 10 flights were targeted by bomb threats on Tuesday, with all the alerts subsequently found to be hoaxes.
On Monday, a Wizz Air flight travelling from London’s Luton Airport to Sofia was diverted to Budapest following another bomb threat.
Authorities have yet to identify those responsible for the latest incidents.
