On November 5, 2026, multiple bomb threats forced emergency diversions and airport shutdowns across Europe, affecting at least eighteen flights including those operated by Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. Flights crossing routes from Ireland, the UK, Italy, Poland, and other countries experienced disruptions due to security alerts.
Aer Lingus Flight EI402, carrying 151 passengers and six crew from Dublin to Rome, diverted to Évreux-Fauville Air Base in Normandy, France, after a bomb threat was reported. The French prime minister’s office monitored the situation in real time as the flight circled before landing safely. All passengers and crew were evacuated,
and no explosives were found. Aer Lingus confirmed it will work to reaccommodate passengers to their final destination promptly.
Ryanair Flight FR1730, departing London Stansted at 06:00 GMT and scheduled to land in Sofia at 09:25 GMT, was diverted to Plovdiv following a bomb threat. Additionally, Ryanair flights inbound from Copenhagen and Madrid were intercepted and escorted to Sofia by Bulgarian MiG-29 fighter jets amid similar security alerts. Bulgarian aviation authorities managed three separate bomb threat alerts affecting flights arriving at Sofia, leading to passenger evacuations and onboard inspections.
Wizz Air redirected a flight from Milan to Warsaw to Vienna
due to a bomb threat during the journey. A Wizz Air spokesperson stated, “The diversion was carried out in accordance with established safety protocols and procedures.” Czech police prepared for emergency landings of four flights bound for Prague, conducting pyrotechnic inspections after arrival and reporting no explosives found. Czech authorities rated the threat credibility as low but activated full security procedures with minimal operational impact.
Security protocols extended to airport shutdowns, perimeter clearances, and baggage re-screenings at several European airports, particularly in Italy, Belgium, France, Spain, Denmark, Romania, Finland, and the UK. Edinburgh Airport in Scotland reported no disruption. The
bomb threats followed a pattern from earlier in the week when seven flights and one cruise ship were hit by similar hoax alerts, causing ongoing operational challenges across the continent.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the threats as malicious hoaxes, affirming the UK’s robust aviation security framework. She acknowledged a small number of flights had been disrupted. The French prime minister’s office confirmed responders brought all 151 passengers and six crew of the Aer Lingus flight to safety before bomb disposal teams intervened. Czech police emphasized that, despite the low credibility, all necessary host measures were taken.
Authorities continue
investigations to identify those responsible. Italy reported receiving emailed bomb threats from a group calling itself “Fighters of the Male State,” which claimed responsibility for threats targeting two inbound flights to Italy. The emails threatened explosions aimed at opposing what the group referred to as a “feminist regime.” No explosives or suspicious items were found on any aircraft after thorough inspections across affected airports.
