Who could be behind hoax bomb threats to European air travel?
There is no hard evidence so far linking airline bomb threats to Russia, Iran or any proxy groups.
Hopes rose Thursday amid a third day of bomb threats against European commercial flights, as air forces from Italy, France and Bulgaria scrambled fighter jets to protect 20 flights. No claim of responsibility was made for the threats, though the messages contained misogynistic remarks and accused "fighters of the Male State" of carrying them out.
The hoaxes primarily targeted low-cost carriers and routes to or from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. Three flights were diverted after receiving bomb threats, but all landed safely with no explosives discovered. Bulgaria's air force escorted three Ryanair planes headed for Sofia from Madrid, Copenhagen, and London.
Similar threats were made against flights to Rome and Sofia, spelling misogynistic messages and claiming responsibility from the "Male State." A British airport also reported receiving a similar hoax threat.
The incidents have raised concerns about rising hybrid attacks linked to Russia or Iran. Despite the threats, most flights landed without issue. Some 25,072 flights were scheduled across Europe on Thursday, representing a small fraction of overall air traffic.
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- New hoax bomb threats hit European flights freemalaysiatoday.com
- Who could be behind hoax bomb threats to European air travel? bbc.co.uk
