At least seven flights and one cruise ship in Europe were targeted by bomb threats on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The alerts led to diversions, airport closures, and heightened security measures, although no explosive devices were found during inspections at all affected locations.
Flights and Routes Affected by Bomb Threats
Flights subjected to bomb threats included two heading to Warsaw, two to Sofia, two to Rome, and one to Murcia airport in Spain. On November 2, a Wizz Air flight from London to Sofia had already been diverted to Budapest after a bomb threat. The carrier’s Monday flight was escorted by a Hungarian Gripen fighter jet, according
to the Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi.
LOT Polish Airlines diverted a flight from London to Warsaw Chopin Airport to nearby Warsaw Modlin Airport for security checks. Meanwhile, a SAS flight from Copenhagen landed as scheduled at Warsaw Chopin Airport and underwent inspection. Two Wizz Air and Ryanair flights destined for Sofia, from Milan/Bergamo and Dublin respectively, landed safely and were searched. A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Murcia caused part of Murcia Airport to be cordoned off for security checks. Additionally, two Ryanair flights from Lisbon and Dublin were searched at Rome Fiumicino Airport, with the Dublin flight escorted
by the Italian Air Force.
Security Actions and Airport Operations
Warsaw Modlin Airport was temporarily closed following the diversion of the LOT Polish Airlines flight but reopened around midday after no device was found. Warsaw Chopin Airport also underwent searches and remained operational after inspections verified no threat. Murcia Airport resumed normal operations following a bomb threat on the Ryanair Manchester flight that temporarily restricted access to parts of the terminal.
Rome’s Fiumicino Airport conducted security checks on two Ryanair flights, with no explosive devices detected. The Italian Air Force provided an escort for the Dublin-bound Ryanair flight into Rome. The Panama-flagged Crown Iris cruise
ship near Syros Island, Greece, was searched by explosives detection dogs and divers after receiving a bomb threat; initial inspections found no device on the ship.
Passenger Numbers and Timeline Events
The Ryanair flight from Milan/Bergamo to Sofia carried 176 passengers, while the Dublin flight to Sofia had 186 passengers aboard. The Ryanair Manchester to Murcia flight had a total of 121 people on board, including seven crew members. Two Ryanair flights landed at Rome Fiumicino at 0940 and 1030 Central European Time, respectively. Warsaw Modlin Airport reopened after inspecting the diverted LOT flight around midday.
Official Statements and Expert Analysis
Chopin Airport confirmed no device was found on Tuesday
and the airport remained operational. Bulgaria’s transport ministry verified bomb threats against flights to Sofia and affirmed no explosives were discovered during inspections. Murcia regional government delegate Francisco Lucas confirmed security protocols following the Ryanair flight alert, while Rome’s airport operator ADR stated that there was no threat to the airport itself and normal operations continued.
Rhys Jones, Analysis Output Manager at Osprey Flight Solutions, said: “The lack of clear target state, airline, or route indicates that general disruption to aviation operations is the aim.” Eric Schouten, head of aviation security group Dyami, linked the incidents to a pattern involving
hybrid attacks from Russian state actors aimed at disturbing Europe, similar to recent disruptions including hacker attacks on European supermarket refrigeration systems.
Background and Travel Disruptions
Authorities have not attributed responsibility for the bomb threats and no group has claimed the incidents. The events unfolded amid heightened concerns over hybrid attacks and sabotage attempts in Europe targeting critical infrastructure. The threats caused flight delays, diversions, emergency landings, and increased security screening measures at multiple airports.
Passengers faced operational delays and were required to disembark for security searches, impacting schedules and travel plans on Tuesday. The security measures resulted in temporary airport closures and restricted
access zones, notably at Warsaw Modlin and Murcia airports.
Ongoing Response
Authorities continue to investigate the threats while maintaining heightened vigilance across affected airports and transportation hubs in Europe. No explosive devices were detected at any of the locations or flights subjected to the threats, and airport operations have resumed normal function following searches.
