Bomb threats that forced diversions of several flights across Europe, including Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Wizz Air, have been confirmed as hoaxes. The threats were made on November 3, and it is unknown if they were linked or who was behind them.
Flights diverted and fighter jets scrambled
Matthew Borie of Osprey Flight Solutions, which advises airlines on flight threats, told Sky News at the time that the focus on Europe means "there could be a Russian angle."
"We need to keep in mind, though, that Iranian hybrid warfare is just as active in certain pockets of Europe as well," he added.
Mirror reports the first incident today (November 5) affected Aer Lingus flight EI402 from Dublin to Rome, which was diverted to a military base in France. Fighter jets were scrambled to escort the Aer Lingus plane over France and the Finnair plane over Italy.
List of flights affected
- Aer Lingus flight EI402, from Dublin to Rome, was diverted to a military base in Évreux, France.
- Ryanair flight FR6410, from Madrid to Sofia, made an emergency landing at Sofia Airport.
- Ryanair flight FR3606, from Copenhagen to Sofia, made an emergency landing at Sofia Airport.
- Ryanair flight FR1730, from London Stansted to Sofia, was diverted to Plovdiv Airport in Bulgaria.
- LOT Polish Airlines flight LO235, from Warsaw to Brussels, was reportedly affected by a bomb threat.
- Wizz Air flight W46387, from Milan Malpensa to Warsaw, was diverted to Vienna, Austria.
- Finnair flight AY1761, from Helsinki to Rome, was escorted by Italian Air Force jets and landed safely at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Bomb disposal experts are inspecting the aircraft.
- Finnair flight AY1471, from Helsinki to Vienna, was also reportedly affected by a bomb threat.
Four flights bound for Prague have also reportedly been affected. We are working to identify them.
Wizz Air confirms diversion
A Wizz Air spokesperson said: "Wizz Air confirms that today’s Milan Malpensa–Warsaw flight (W4 6387) has been diverted to Vienna following a bomb threat received during the flight."
"The diversion was initiated in accordance with established security protocols and procedures, with the safety of passengers and crew as the highest priority."
"This incident comes amid a series of similar bomb threats affecting several airlines across Europe in recent days."
"Wizz Air is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board."
