Air travel across several European countries has faced fresh security disruptions after at least 18 flights received bomb threats, prompting emergency responses from aviation authorities and security agencies.
The latest incidents have raised concerns among passengers and aviation officials, marking the second time this week that multiple aircraft have been affected by similar threats.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the incidents as “malicious hoax threats”, although authorities have continued to treat the reports seriously and carry out necessary security checks.
In Italy, airport authorities in Rome reportedly received an alarming email from a group identifying itself as “Fighters of the Male State”. The group allegedly claimed it was targeting what it described as a “feminist regime”.
The threats also triggered security operations in the Czech Republic, where police investigated four flights following warnings about a possible improvised explosive device.
However, Czech authorities confirmed that searches of the four aircraft did not uncover any explosives.
Military aircraft were also deployed in response to some of the incidents. In Italy, fighter jets from the Italian Air Force escorted an aircraft into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.
Similarly, Bulgaria’s military confirmed that its fighter jets escorted three aircraft to Sofia as part of the security response.
One of the affected aircraft was travelling from Dublin to Rome when air traffic control reportedly alerted passengers and crew to a security threat, according to information analysed by BBC Verify.
The latest developments follow another wave of similar incidents on Tuesday, when at least seven flights were reportedly affected. No explosives were discovered during those investigations.
Although the threats have so far not resulted in the discovery of explosives, the repeated incidents have placed European aviation security agencies on heightened alert.
Authorities continue to assess the reports and investigate those responsible for the disruptions.
