Bomb threats force seven planes to divert across Europe
Seven commercial flights across Europe received bomb threats on Thursday, triggering emergency landings and diversions, though no devices were found.
An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome diverted to an air base in France after a bomb threat. Three planes made emergency landings in Bulgaria, with flights from Copenhagen and Madrid landing in Sofia and another from London landing in Plovdiv.
Two flights over Italy were also affected: a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome and a Wizz Air flight from Milan to Warsaw, which was diverted to Vienna. All aircraft landed safely and were checked by bomb squads; no explosives were discovered.
The Aer Lingus aircraft carried 151 passengers and six crew members. A cruise ship also received a threat in European waters.
- 7 commercial flights
- Flights affected
- 151 passengers, 6 crew
- Aer Lingus passengers and crew
- Évreux air base, France
- Aer Lingus diversion location
- 3 flights
- Emergency landings in Bulgaria
Why it mattersBomb threats disrupt air travel, cost airlines and emergency services money, and alarm passengers, though most prove to be false alarms.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Australians travelling in or through Europe may be affected by increased airport security delays.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au
✓ Claims checked; 2 flagged for review. checked 1 h ago
