Bomb threats ground 25 planes across Europe in coordinated hoax
Hoax threats forced at least 25 flights to divert or land early across 16 countries, with searches finding nothing dangerous.
On Thursday, a wave of fake bomb threats shut down flights across Europe in what experts say points to coordinated action. Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Finnair and LOT Polish saw planes diverted or land early.
All aircraft landed safely and searches found nothing. The threats reached airports in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, France and eight other nations.
Some threats were emailed to Rome and Sofia airports signed "fighters of the Male State", a Russian far-right group founded in 2016. British authorities say there is no evidence the hoaxes came from a hostile state or terror group.
The disruption was tiny against the 27,400 flights scheduled that day across Europe.
- at least 25
- Flights disrupted
- 16
- Countries affected
- 27,400
- Total flights scheduled that day
- 2016
- Far-right group founded
Why it mattersFake threats force expensive emergency actions and scare travellers, and a coordinated campaign suggests someone is testing Europe's response to disruption.
AustraliaNo direct impact on Australian flights yet, but if hoaxes spread globally, Australian airlines and airports could face similar disruptions.
Corroborated by7news.com.au·smh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
