European Air Traffic and Newsrooms Hit by Fresh Wave of Security Threats

Officials across Europe reported a fresh wave of bomb threats targeting multiple flights on Friday, November 6, following a series of similar hoaxes that caused flight diversions earlier in the week. According to authorities, flights to and from Lisbon, Rome, Prague, and Sofia were targeted. The disruption led to three commercial planes being escorted through Hungarian airspace by Hungarian fighter jets, as confirmed by Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi. NATO reportedly ordered an air patrol near the Hungarian-Romanian border in response to the alerts.

The Friday incidents follow earlier disruptions that impacted nearly 30 aircraft and several airports across Europe, which the UK described as a malicious hoax. Czech police registered threats directed at nine flights arriving in or departing from Prague, while France reported that at least four of its flights were targeted before landing safely. Ryanair and WizzAir flights were also among those affected, with some aircraft subjected to diversions or security escorts. As of Friday, authorities confirmed that no explosives had been found on any of the inspected planes.

The security incidents expanded beyond the aviation sector on Friday to include high-profile media organisations across Europe. Ireland's public broadcaster RTÉ, along with the Irish Independent newspaper and Dublin offices of radio stations NewstalkFM and TodayFM, were among the newsrooms evacuated or advised to leave their buildings following security warnings. Armed gardaí were deployed to RTÉ's Dublin headquarters. British broadcaster Sky and Bulgaria’s Nova TV also confirmed receiving security threats.

Some broadcasters received emailed bomb threats from a purported sender named Mikhail Andropov under the headline "Message to the West," according to reports. RTÉ Radio One presenter David McCullagh told listeners that an email warned a bomb would explode within 45 minutes. Danish police additionally reported that threats were directed at traffic at Copenhagen airport, though the facility continued operating normally.

While no concrete link has been established between the messages targeting airlines and those received by broadcasters, the Irish government stated that the incidents appear to be a likely coordinated campaign of disruption. Irish authorities noted that hoax threats cause fear, distress, and disruption while achieving no positive purpose. It remains unknown whether individuals or a centralised effort are responsible for the ongoing threats.