Third day of fake bomb threats against aircraft across Europe
European airlines and airports received bomb threats against aircraft for a third consecutive day, affecting more than 10 flights. No explosives were found during searches.
Fake bomb threats against passenger aircraft have been reported in Europe for a third consecutive day this week. According to the source, more than 10 flights in several countries were affected yesterday. Similar threats were received on Monday and Tuesday. Searches of the aircraft turned up no explosives.
Italy, France and Bulgaria
A Finnair plane flying from Helsinki to Rome landed in the Italian capital escorted by Italian Air Force fighter jets after the threat was received. An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to a military base at Évry in France, the office of the French prime minister said.
Threats were also made against Ryanair aircraft heading to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Two planes from Copenhagen and Madrid landed safely in Sofia, while the flight from London Stansted was redirected to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Bulgarian Air Force fighters escorted the aircraft.
Other countries
Czech police said threats of planting improvised explosive devices had been received concerning four aircraft flying to Prague. Poland's airline LOT reported a threat against its Warsaw–Brussels flight; the crew carried out the necessary procedures, and after landing in Brussels security services inspected the aircraft again, Reuters reported.
Bucharest airport in Romania said almost 200 passengers were evacuated from a Wizz Air flight from Milan after the aircraft landed safely following a threat. The plane was searched by the explosive disposal unit of Romania's intelligence service. Another Wizz Air flight, Milan–Warsaw, was diverted to Vienna.
Threats were also received against an Aegean Airlines flight from Thessaloniki and a Ryanair flight from Porto, which reached its destination, Milan, safely.
