EUROPE — A series of coordinated or simultaneous bomb hoaxes caused widespread disruption across European airspace on Thursday morning, forcing several commercial airliners into emergency diversions, military escorts, and unplanned landings across multiple countries.
Authorities confirm that no explosive devices were discovered and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew across any of the impacted flights.
France & Belgium: Unplanned Diversions
In France, Aer Lingus Flight EI402, en route from Dublin to Rome, was forced to divert mid-flight due to a reported security threat on board. The aircraft made a safe emergency landing at Évreux-Fauville Air Base, located approximately 100 kilometers west of Paris, where ground crews and security forces immediately swept the plane.
Simultaneously, Belgian media reported that a LOT Polish Airlines aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Brussels Zaventem Airport following a similar alert. Emergency response units greeted the aircraft on the tarmac to inspect the vessel and secure the passengers.
Fighter Jets Scrambled over Italy
In Italian airspace, a Finnair flight traveling from Helsinki to Rome was targeted by a threat while approaching its destination. The Italian Air Force scrambled fighter jets to intercept and escort the airliner into Rome Fiumicino Airport, ensuring a safe landing under military supervision before inspecting the airframe.
Three Planes Grounded in Bulgaria
Bulgarian aviation authorities handled three separate security alerts on Thursday morning:
- Sofia Airport: Two incoming flights (one departing from Copenhagen and another from Madrid) were redirected to make immediate emergency landings.
- Plovdiv Airport: A third flight, originating from London, was diverted to Plovdiv in southern Bulgaria.
All three aircraft landed safely, and passengers were evacuated to terminals while bomb disposal units inspected the cargo holds and passenger cabins.
Investigations Underway
Aviation security agencies and international law enforcement have launched joint investigations to identify the origin of the threats. While operational protocols required immediate emergency action, officials confirmed all alerts have thus far proven to be hoaxes. Airline schedules across Europe experienced localized delays as affected airports cleared security perimeters and re-screened baggage.
