A wave of hoax bomb alerts disrupted European flights on Thursday, with diversions, emergency landings and fighter escorts days after similar incidents. EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said it was “too early” to conclude whether the events are linked, The Washington Post reported.

Aer Lingus EI402 Dublin–Rome was diverted to Évreux military air base west of Paris after a threat; French jets escorted the aircraft. The airline said it landed safely and that passengers would be rebooked. No explosives were found after baggage checks.

Authorities and carriers reported dozens of alerts — public tallies ranged from more than 20 to nearly 30 flights — with a focus on low-cost airlines and routes tied to Bulgaria, Czechia and Italy. Italian jets escorted a Finnair Helsinki–Rome flight; Bulgaria escorted three targeted aircraft.

Flights listed in press round-ups included Ryanair services to Sofia and Prague, a Wizz Air Milan–Warsaw flight diverted to Vienna, easyJet flights to Prague and a LOT Warsaw–Brussels service. Threats were also reported at Irish and UK airports and assessed as not credible.

A message circulated by Italian agencies, tied to the alerts, claimed explosives were aboard flights from Dublin and Helsinki as an attack on a “feminist regime”. No group claimed responsibility. The alerts coincide with other recent European disruptions, including drones and sabotage.

Tzitzikostas wrote on X that threats against civilians are unacceptable and that the EU is monitoring with national authorities. National probes continue; in France, Aer Lingus pilots were questioned after the Évreux landing.

Source: Bomb scares disrupt multiple flights across Europe (The Washington Post)