Bomb threats disrupt 14 European flights in single day; fighter jets scrambled
At least 14 flights across Europe were diverted or disrupted by bomb threats on November 5, 2026, prompting fighter jets to escort three planes and bomb disposal teams to inspect aircraft in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic, according to reports from The Mirror and the Associated Press .
At least 14 flights across Europe were diverted or disrupted by bomb threats on November 5, 2026, prompting fighter jets to escort three planes and bomb disposal teams to inspect aircraft in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic, according to reports from The Mirror and the Associated Press.
Key numbers
| Stat | Figure | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights disrupted | 14 | 2026-11-05 | The Mirror |
| Passengers evacuated from Wizz Air flight | 190 | 2026-11-05 | The Mirror |
| Passengers on Finnair flight AY1761 | 144 | 2026-11-05 | The Mirror |
| Passengers on Finnair flight AY1471 | 177 | 2026-11-05 | The Mirror |
What happened
At least 14 flights across Europe were disrupted by bomb threats on November 5, 2026, marking the second such incident this week. Three countries—France, Italy, and Bulgaria—scramble fighter jets to escort planes through their airspace, while bomb disposal teams inspected aircraft in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
The first reported incident involved Aer Lingus flight EI402 from Dublin to Rome, which was diverted to Évreux-Fauville Air Base in France. Three Ryanair flights were also affected in Bulgaria, including one from London Stansted diverted to Plovdiv Airport. Wizz Air flight W46387 from Milan to Warsaw was diverted to Vienna, while Finnair flight AY1761 from Helsinki to Rome was escorted by Italian fighter jets and landed safely in Rome.
Who is affected
Passengers and crew on 14 flights across Europe were affected, with inspections and evacuations occurring in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Airlines including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Finnair, LOT Polish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and easyJet reported disruptions.
The most significant disruptions included the evacuation of 190 people from a Wizz Air flight in Romania and the diversion of a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Plovdiv Airport in Bulgaria. Passengers on Finnair flights AY1761 and AY1471 were also disembarked for inspections.
The disruption affected at least 14 flights, with 190 passengers evacuated from a Wizz Air flight in Romania. Finnair flights AY1761 and AY1471 carried 144 and 177 passengers, respectively, and were also subject to bomb threats.
What to do next
Airlines are working to reaccommodate affected passengers to their final destinations as soon as possible, while authorities continue to investigate the threats. Passengers are advised to follow updates from their airlines and local authorities for further instructions.
What we know and don’t know
Authorities have confirmed that no suspicious items were found during inspections of the affected flights. However, the motives behind the threats remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing. The connection between these threats and those from Tuesday, which also disrupted flights across Europe, is still under review.
Timeline
- November 5, 2026, early morning: An anonymous email warning of a bomb threat is sent to Rome’s airports, targeting Aer Lingus flight EI402 and Finnair flight AY1761.
- November 5, 2026, 10:30 AM local time: Finnair flight AY1471 from Helsinki to Vienna lands safely in Vienna.
- November 5, 2026, 11:10 AM local time: Wizz Air flight W46387 from Milan to Warsaw lands safely in Bucharest after being diverted to Vienna.
- November 5, 2026, ongoing: Bomb disposal teams complete inspections at Prague Airport, finding no suspicious items.
Why it matters
The coordinated bomb threats have disrupted air travel across Europe, raising concerns about aviation security and the potential for further disruptions. The incident follows a similar wave of hoax threats on Tuesday, which also led to flight diversions and security checks.
Key takeaways
- At least 14 flights were disrupted by bomb threats on November 5, 2026, affecting airlines across Europe.
- Fighter jets were scrambled in France, Italy, and Bulgaria to escort affected flights.
- Inspections of aircraft and evacuations of passengers occurred in multiple countries, but no suspicious items were found.
- Airlines are working to reaccommodate passengers to their final destinations as soon as possible.
- Authorities are investigating the threats, which follow a similar incident on Tuesday.
Frequently asked questions
Why were fighter jets scrambled?
Fighter jets were scrambled in France, Italy, and Bulgaria to escort planes through their airspace following bomb threats. This measure is taken to ensure the safety of flights and to respond to potential security risks.
Were any explosives found?
No suspicious items were found during inspections of the affected flights in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
How many flights were affected?
At least 14 flights were disrupted by bomb threats on November 5, 2026.
What should passengers do?
Passengers are advised to follow updates from their airlines and local authorities. Airlines are working to reaccommodate affected passengers to their final destinations as soon as possible.
Are these threats linked to previous incidents?
The connection between these threats and those from Tuesday, which also disrupted flights across Europe, is still under review by authorities.
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Sources
- Bomb threats live: Ryanair and Wizz Air planes make emergency landings in Europe — mirror.co.uk, 2026-11-05
- Several European flights diverted due to bomb threats — pajhwok.com, 2026-11-05
- Bomb threats LIVE as several planes diverted and making emergency landings across Europe — manchestereveningnews.co.uk, 2026-11-05
- Bomb Threats Across Europe: Multiple Flights Diverted For Second Time This Week — news.abplive.com, 2026-11-05