At least 25 passenger flights across Europe have been hit by bomb threats, triggering emergency landings, flight diversions, fighter jet escorts, and security inspections at several airports.
The latest wave of threats occurred on Thursday, November 5, marking the second major series of bomb alerts across European aviation this week.
According to CBC, flights operating between Ireland and Bulgaria were among those affected, with incidents also reported in France, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria and Romania.
An Aer Lingus Airbus A320 travelling from Dublin to Rome was diverted to a French military airbase in Évreux after receiving a bomb threat. The aircraft landed safely with 151 passengers and six crew members on board, while bomb disposal specialists were deployed to inspect it.
Three Ryanair flights heading to Bulgaria from Copenhagen, Madrid and London were also targeted. Two landed in Sofia, while the London-bound flight was diverted to Plovdiv.
Meanwhile, Italian fighter jets escorted a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome following a bomb alert. Other affected aircraft included flights operated by Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines and Aegean Airlines.
Authorities in several countries activated emergency security procedures, with passengers and aircraft subjected to thorough inspections. No explosives were discovered in the aircraft examined so far.
The latest incidents follow a similar wave of bomb threats on Tuesday, when at least seven passenger flights across Europe were targeted, forcing diversions, emergency landings and temporary airport disruptions.
Several European officials have previously accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage and other hybrid operations, although the European Union has cautioned that it is too early to establish whether the latest threats are connected or identify those behind them.
Russia and Iran have denied involvement in similar alleged operations.