Photo: ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP / Getty Images
Over a dozen commercial flights across Europe faced bomb threats on Thursday (November 5), causing significant disruptions. According to ABC7 Chicago, these threats led to emergency landings and diversions, although no hazardous materials were found on any aircraft.
The first threat targeted an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome, which was diverted to a military base in Évreux, France. All 151 passengers and six crew members were reported safe, and no explosives were found, as stated by the French Prime Minister's office. Business Insider reported that the airline described the diversion as a "security precaution."
Subsequent threats affected flights to Bulgaria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Three Ryanair flights bound for Sofia, Bulgaria, made emergency landings, with two landing in Sofia and one diverted to Plovdiv. A LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Brussels landed safely, and inspections revealed no suspicious items.
In Prague, Czech police received threats about four incoming flights, but no dangerous materials were found. Despite assessing the threats as low relevance, authorities conducted thorough inspections.
A Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome was escorted by Italian fighter jets and landed safely at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport. The flight underwent security clearance procedures, and no explosives were discovered.
The incidents follow a series of similar threats earlier in the week, which also resulted in diversions and emergency landings. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as these threats occur amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe.