Series of bomb threats target European flights

Throughout early November 2026, a wave of bomb threats has targeted numerous flights across Europe, causing disruptions and forcing emergency protocols to be activated. By November 6, authorities reported that 14 incidents had occurred, including threats against nine flights arriving at or departing from Prague, two flights linked to Sofia, and a Ryanair flight traveling from Lisbon to Rome. Despite the mass nature of these alerts, aviation officials maintain that these events are not new, noting that such threats have been recorded for decades.

Chrysanthos Chatzichrysanthou, president of the Mediterranean Aviation Safety Foundation, and Charis Georgiadis, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Department, emphasized that security protocols remain robust regardless of whether a threat is later determined to be a hoax. When a credible threat is suspected, pilots follow standardized procedures involving diversion to the nearest suitable airport within 30 minutes, followed by landing in isolated areas and thorough inspections by specialized personnel. While the threats caused significant operational adjustments, airport authorities in affected regions, such as Prague, have reported that overall airport operations continue to function normally.