More than 20 flights across Europe were disrupted this week due to bomb threats delivered primarily via anonymous emails, affecting passenger travel plans and airport operations on November 3 and 5, 2026. Over a dozen flights were impacted on November 5 alone, including flight diversions in the Czech Republic and Italy.
Flight Disruptions and Diverted Routes
On November 5, four flights were diverted within the Czech Republic, while two flights were redirected in Italy. An Aer Lingus flight destined for Rome was diverted to France due to a threat. Additionally, two flights originating from Spain and Denmark were rerouted to Sofia, Bulgaria. Václav Havel Airport
Prague received anonymous emails threatening bombs on four flights that day. Italy’s Rome Fiumicino Airport was linked to threats targeting flights from Helsinki and Dublin. In total, passengers and crew on at least 14 flights were affected on November 5, following at least seven flights and one cruise ship receiving threats on November 3.
Threat Origins and Methods of Delivery
Czech and Italian authorities confirmed that the bomb threats were sent by email. Václav Havel Airport Prague reported that four flights were targeted through anonymous emails. Italian authorities attributed some of the threats to an anti-feminist group called “The Male State,” which sent threatening emails to
a logistics company working with Rome Fiumicino Airport. This group was founded in Russia in 2016 and has been banned as extremist in Russia since 2021. The emails falsely claimed that explosive devices had been placed on flights from Helsinki and Dublin.
Passenger Experience and Security Responses
Passengers faced flight diversions and delays amid increased security protocols. Countries scrambled fighter jets in response to the threats. No explosive devices have been found at any involved airports. All affected airports activated their established bomb threat management plans and conducted rapid responses to ensure safety. In particular, Václav Havel Airport Prague confirmed the receipt of anonymous threat
emails, while Czech Police acknowledged that multiple European airports received similar communications.
Official Reactions and Security Analysis
Former LAX Federal Security Director Keith Jeffries emphasized that all airports train for bomb threat situations and “will have bomb threat management plans, and they’ll train to that plan,” ensuring threats are never ignored. The UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander described the threats as a “malicious hoax” and stated that established protocols were followed. Eric Schouten, head of aviation security group Dyami, suggested these incidents fit the pattern of Russian state actors aiming to destabilize Europe, noting parallels to cyberattacks on other infrastructure. Eliran Almog, CEO of cybersecurity
firm Cyviation, linked these aviation threats to simultaneous cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe during the same period.
