More than 25 passenger flights across Europe were disrupted on November 5, 2026, due to a series of hoax bomb threats. The affected countries included the Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, and Ireland, where airports and media offices faced heightened security responses.
Method and Origin of Threats
Anonymous emails were the primary vehicle for the bomb threats targeting multiple European airports. Václav Havel Airport Prague reported receiving emails alleging bombs on four flights. Italy’s Rome Fiumicino Airport’s logistics hub was targeted by an extremist group named “The Male State,” which claimed explosives were on flights from Helsinki and Dublin. This group, founded in Russia in 2016
and banned as extremist in 2021, posted threat emails verified as authentic by Rome Fiumicino officials.
Airport Responses and Flight Operations
Authorities increased security levels at Copenhagen Airport and Václav Havel Airport Prague following fresh bomb threats. Czech Police confirmed they had “taken the necessary security measures with minimal impact on the airport’s normal operations.” Airports activated bomb threat management protocols, diversifying flights to alternate locations. A spokesperson for the former Federal Security Director at LAX said all airports train for such incidents and respond swiftly to ensure safety.
Flight Diversions and Cancellations
At least 14 flights were affected on Thursday, November 5, including four Czech Republic flight diversions
and two in Italy. An Aer Lingus flight headed for Rome was rerouted to France. Additionally, flights from Spain and Denmark were diverted to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Similar disruptions occurred earlier that week, with at least seven flights rerouted on Tuesday.
Official Statements and Expert Analysis
Danish police stated no danger existed for passengers at Copenhagen Airport. The UK Transport Minister described the threats as a “malicious hoax,” emphasizing established procedures for such incidents. Security analysts linked the threats to wider hybrid tactics, potentially by Russian state actors aiming to destabilize Europe amid the Ukraine conflict. Eric Schouten, head of aviation security group Dyami, pointed
to recent infrastructure attacks in Europe as part of this pattern.
Irish authorities evacuated RTÉ and other media offices after receiving bomb threats, but no confirmed connection to the airline incidents was established. Irish government officials remain uncertain whether these threats originated from individuals or coordinated efforts.
All bomb threat emails have been classified as hoaxes, with no explosive devices found following thorough investigations. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely to maintain passenger safety and airport operation integrity.
