New wave of bomb hoaxes hits at least 27 passenger flights across Europe

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1. 2h ago

   Bomb hoaxes disrupt at least 27 European passenger flights in second wave this week

   A new wave of bomb hoaxes struck at least 27 passenger flights across Europe on Thursday, forcing unplanned landings and fighter jet escorts from Ireland to Bulgaria. This marks the second coordinated wave of threats this week, following similar disruptions earlier. No country has attributed blame, though European officials have been accusing Russia of hybrid warfare and sabotage. All threats have so far proven to be hoaxes, but the scale and coordination have raised serious security concerns across the continent.

   Why it matters

   The incidents come amid heightened tensions in Europe, with multiple governments warning of Russian hybrid operations including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation. The coordinated nature of the threats, targeting flights across numerous countries simultaneously, suggests a deliberate campaign rather than isolated incidents. Aviation authorities are struggling to balance passenger safety with the massive operational disruption caused by treating each threat as credible.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 27 passenger flights across Europe were hit by bomb hoaxes on Thursday, the second wave this week.
   • Threats forced unplanned landings and prompted fighter jets to escort or intercept aircraft.
   • Incidents spanned from Ireland to Bulgaria, affecting multiple European countries.
   • All threats have so far proven to be hoaxes with no actual explosives found.
   • No country has officially attributed blame for the threats.
   • European officials have been accusing Russia of masterminding sabotage and hybrid warfare.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia may be behind the coordinated bomb threat campaign as part of hybrid warfare operations.

   What to watch next

   • Official attribution of responsibility by European governments or intelligence agencies
   • Escalation to actual explosive devices or physical attacks on aviation infrastructure
   • Coordinated EU or NATO response measures against suspected state actors
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.timesofisrael.com — The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish ...
   2. www.channelnewsasia.com — NATO general sets out tough military response to any 'foolish' Russian attack - CNA
   3. tribune.com.pk — Houthis say they attacked East-West oil pumping stations; no Saudi confirmation
   4. www.gdnonline.com — World News: Pope Leo’s lung cancer is ‘gamechanger’ for papacy
   5. NBC News — ‘Bomb alert’ diverts Rome-bound passenger plane
   6. Bloomberg.com — More Bomb Threats Divert Flights, Cause Disruption in Europe
   7. Reuters — New wave of bomb threats hits passenger flights across Europe
   8. Yahoo — Here's what happens when airlines receive bomb threats
   9. jen.jiji.com — MotoGp, today the Qatar GP Sprint - Live
   10. jen.jiji.com — Israel, Herzog to entrust Eisenkot tomorrow with the task of forming the next government
   11. bbc.bm — New wave of bomb hoaxes hits at least 27 passenger flights across Europe | Bermuda News, TV & Radio | Bermuda Broadcasting Company
   12. www.yahoo.com — Europe’s Bomb Threats Raise Fears of Hybrid Warfare
   confidence 85%