Dozens of planes targeted by bomb threats in Europe in apparent hoax

A series of bomb hoaxes struck dozens of passenger flights in Europe on Thursday, causing unplanned landings and leading to fighter jets escorting or intercepting some planes. The coordinated assault affected nearly 30 flights by the end of the day, following at least seven incidents on Tuesday, which also included a cruise ship.

No responsible party has been identified, and no verified claims of responsibility have emerged. Security experts suggest the threats could stem from individuals with personal grievances or be copycats. Some experts believe the attacks may have the characteristics of a more organized hybrid attack. European officials have previously accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage and hybrid attacks since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Denmark, Poland, and Romania have directly accused Moscow of involvement in recent incidents, while Germany blamed Russia for an August attack on Leipzig airport. Bulgaria's air force reported that its fighter jets escorted three airliners to the ground due to the threats. The incidents have raised concerns about the potential for cyberattacks on essential services, such as supermarkets and blood banks, which have also experienced disruptions this week.