Bomb threats force diversions on at least 15 flights across Europe

Bomb threats forced at least 15 flights across Europe to divert or land in an emergency on Thursday. The threats hit routes linking Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Finland, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, Greece and Czechia.

The warnings came in a series that began on Thursday morning. Dozens of flights reported threats that day, according to one account, affecting air travel in London, Dublin and Helsinki. The sources do not describe any injuries.

A second wave in one week

This is the second such round this week. Two days earlier, hoax alerts also disrupted air travel across the continent. Some commentators have linked the two waves to a possible coordinated effort to disrupt travel, and one report described the pattern as raising fears of a hybrid war, a term for attacks that stop short of open conflict. The sources do not say who, if anyone, is behind the threats, and no group has been named.

An investigation is under way. The sources do not say which authorities lead it, and they do not say whether any threat was found to be credible. Several reports say the flights were searched or held before passengers were allowed to continue, but they give no further detail on outcomes.

For travellers from India, the disruption matters for connecting flights through European hubs. Passengers on routes via London, Dublin or Helsinki could face delays or rebooking while the investigation continues. Check with your airline before travel.

What happens next is not yet clear. The sources do not say whether more threats are expected, whether airlines have changed security steps, or whether any arrests have been made.