On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at least seven flights across Europe and a Panama-flagged cruise ship underwent bomb threat alerts, prompting airport closures, flight diversions, and security escorts. No explosive devices were discovered after thorough inspections at airports and aboard the vessel.
Details of Flights Affected and Routes
The affected flights included two to Warsaw, Poland; two to Sofia, Bulgaria; two to Rome, Italy; and one to Murcia Airport, Spain. On Monday, November 2, 2026, an additional flight to Sofia also received a bomb threat. A LOT Polish Airlines flight from London to Warsaw was diverted to Warsaw Modlin Airport, leading to the airport’s temporary closure.
The Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight from Copenhagen to Warsaw landed as scheduled at Warsaw Chopin Airport.
Wizz Air operated a Milan/Bergamo to Sofia flight carrying 176 passengers and Ryanair operated a Dublin to Sofia flight with 186 passengers, both of which received threats but landed safely. A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Murcia with 121 people onboard triggered partial airport closure until cleared by security personnel.
Two additional Ryanair flights from Lisbon and Dublin were searched at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport following bomb threats, with the Dublin flight escorted by the Italian Air Force. On November 2, 2026, a Wizz Air
flight from London Luton to Sofia was diverted to Budapest Airport where it landed safely under escort by a Hungarian Defence Ministry Gripen fighter jet.
Security Measures and Searches Conducted
Following the threats, Warsaw Modlin Airport was temporarily closed for security screening of the diverted LOT flight, reopening after no device was found. Warsaw Chopin Airport remained operational despite bomb threats on flights, confirming all searches cleared the premises. In Murcia, Spain, authorities cordoned off sections of the airport after a bomb threat against a Ryanair flight; normal operations resumed after inspections found no explosives.
Authorities on the Greek island of Syros conducted an extensive
search of the Crown Iris cruise ship using explosives detection dogs and divers after an anonymous warning of a bomb attached to the hull; no device was discovered. The Greek coast guard carried out these inspections before permitting the vessel to continue its journey to Israel.
Official Statements and Expert Assessments
The Bulgarian Transport Ministry confirmed bomb threats on flights arriving at Sofia Airport, stating no devices were found. Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi verified the safe landing of the Wizz Air flight diverted to Budapest under fighter jet escort. Rome’s Fiumicino Airport operator ADR confirmed Ryanair flight security checks after bomb threats and reported
no impact on other operations.
Security advisory firm Osprey Flight Solutions’ Rhys Jones remarked on the rarity of seven bomb threats in one day on European flights, observing the absence of a clear target state, airline, or route likely indicates the aim was broad disruption to aviation operations. Eric Schouten, head of aviation security group Dyami, connected the threats to a pattern of hybrid attacks, saying it fits the narrative of Russian state actors attempting to destabilize European infrastructure.
Geopolitical Context and Hybrid Threat Patterns
European authorities have recently attributed a series of sabotage events and hybrid attacks to Russia and Iran, though both deny involvement.
These bomb threats coincide with other deniable disruptions, such as recent cyberattacks disabling supermarket fridges across multiple countries. Experts characterize these actions as low-cost efforts to disturb critical infrastructure and civil operations, including aviation.
Passenger Impact and Operational Disruptions
Passengers aboard the threatened flights faced diversions to alternate airports, additional security screenings, and military escorts. Warsaw Chopin and Modlin airports underwent temporary operational interruptions. Murcia Airport cordoned off sections after the threat but restored normal functions promptly. Flights escorted by Italian Air Force and Hungarian fighter jets reduced risks associated with the threats. Despite delays and interruptions, no flights were canceled outright due to the
incidents.
