Aviation expert addresses bomb threats against European airlines

Following a series of bomb threats targeting eight aircraft across Europe, Chrysanthos Chatzichrysanthou, president of the Mediterranean Aviation Safety Foundation and a pilot, has issued a statement to reassure the public. He emphasized that bomb threats against aviation are not a new phenomenon, as such incidents have occurred for decades. Chatzichrysanthou noted that while simultaneous threats across multiple flights are unusual, they do not necessitate public panic.

He explained that airlines follow strict, established protocols when warnings are received. Each threat is first evaluated for credibility by airline officials. If deemed potentialy genuine, pilots are immediately notified. Flight crews are trained to handle such emergencies, including diverting to the nearest suitable airport within a 30-minute radius. Upon landing, the aircraft is directed to an isolated area away from terminals to ensure passenger safety, followed by inspections by specialist personnel. If no threat is found, the aircraft is cleared to continue its journey.