Seven flights across Europe targeted by suspected bomb threats

Seven passenger planes across Europe have been inspected following a series of suspected bomb threats. The incidents affected flights originating from the UK, including two Ryanair flights from Dublin and Lisbon. Following anonymous tips, these planes were searched upon landing in Rome, and no explosives were found. The Italian Air Force escorted the Dublin flight until it landed.

Authorities in Poland, Spain, and Bulgaria also conducted searches on the affected planes. While no direct link has been established, security officials from various countries are cooperating to determine if the threats were coordinated to disrupt airspace.

The UK government labeled the incidents as "malicious hoax threats" and emphasized its robust aviation security system, capable of handling potential threats and malicious hoax threats. Aviation security expert Paul Mason noted the unusual nature of such coordinated incidents across multiple airlines, stating that these threats do not occur frequently. Mason also explained that flights may be diverted if the credibility of a threat is deemed high, and onboard crews are not always informed of ground operators' assessments.

In Rome, police bomb disposal experts carried out standard security protocols, finding no explosives on the inspected planes. One Ryanair flight from Manchester to Murcia, Spain, also underwent a thorough search and was cleared. A passenger, Sarah, recounted her anxiety upon landing, as the plane had been surrounded by emergency personnel, but she was only informed of the threat after disembarking.

Two flights to Warsaw, including one from London Heathrow, were affected. The Heathrow flight was rerouted to Modlin airport before landing, causing a temporary closure. Scandinavian Airlines' flight from Copenhagen to Warsaw-Chopin arrived safely.