Two passenger planes have been forced to make emergency landings over Europe after receiving bomb threats. A Dublin to Rome flight was diverted to Évreux air base in Eure, north of Paris, following a report of a bomb, while a Wizz Air plane from Milan to Warsaw was redirected to Vienna after another threat during the flight.
Emergency landings and diversions
The Aer Lingus jet landed after flying in circles over France, according to flight tracker FlightRadar. Both planes squawked an emergency 7700 code within 20 minutes of each other before being directed to different runways.
The Aer Lingus plane travelled across the English Channel on a normal flight path before swerving south-west of Paris and circling Chartres airport, then diverting towards Évreux. The plane flew straight past the military runway without touching down before turning around and landing.
Wizz Air response and recent incidents
A Wizz Air spokesperson said about the Milan to Warsaw flight: '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 spokesperson added: '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 not the only airline targeted, with other carriers also experiencing threats resulting in flight diversions and security checks.'
'Wizz Air is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.'
Broader wave of threats
The chaos comes two days after around ten commercial flights, including two from the UK, were targeted by bomb threats. None of the flights, which included at least four Ryanair flights, were affected, but no suspicious devices were found.
A LOT aircraft from London Heathrow had to be diverted to Warsaw-Modlin after the warning, while a Manchester jet was affected en route to Murcia in Spain. No suspicious devices were found on the affected flights.
