A wave of threats tests Europe’s defenses, reaching supermarket fridges and passenger flights
Flights disrupted across Europe
At least 27 passenger flights were affected by hoax bomb threats, with some aircraft making unplanned landings and others escorted or intercepted by fighter jets. The incidents marked a second wave of threats this week.
In France, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office said fighter jets intercepted an Aer Lingus service from Dublin to Rome and escorted it to an air force base at Evreux. Bulgaria’s air force said it guided three airliners to the ground; a Ryanair flight from London to Sofia diverted to Plovdiv.
Authorities respond to alerts
An email claiming to come from “fighters of the Male State” warned of devices on flights arriving from Helsinki and Dublin, which it said would explode within 60 minutes. Osprey Flight Solutions analysts described a possible connection to Russia’s hybrid campaign as a “realistic probability,” while noting other explanations remained possible.
Threats beyond aviation
Almog said aviation threats were occurring during a period of cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe. Unidentified hackers shut down supermarket fridges in several European countries for a second time this week, with French blood banks also affected.
Key points
- Hoax bomb threats affected at least 27 passenger flights across Europe.
- Fighter jets escorted or intercepted aircraft, while some flights were diverted or searched.
- Analysts said a Russia link was possible but pointed to other explanations too.
- Cyberattacks shut supermarket fridges in several countries and affected French blood banks.