Several bomb threats delayed flights across Europe, triggering emergency landings, aircraft searches, and military escorts.
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One Flight to Rome Was Diverted to France
According to the New York Post, over a dozen flights were affected by the bomb threats. Planes in Copenhagen, Dublin, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan, and Warsaw were targeted.
Many of these planes were diverted to other airports for emergency landings. Others landed without incident. Inspections have found no hazardous materials on the affected flights.
The French prime minister's office announced that a flight from Dublin to Rome was rerouted to a military air base in western France because of a bomb threat. It landed safely in Evreux in Normandy.
Italian authorities alerted France to the threat. A French warplane then escorted the craft to the Evreux base.
The 151 passengers and the Aer Lingus Dublin-Rome flight's six crew members were safe. Officials questioned and checked everyone in groups of 10 inside the airport. Hours later, the plane remained on the tarmac. A Red Cross vehicle and explosive experts with dogs were spotted searching the aircraft.
Another flight to Warsaw, Poland, landed in Vienna, Austria, after authorities received an abstract threat, according to a spokesperson in Lower Austria. Authorities found nothing, and the plane eventually landed in Poland.
These Bomb Threats Come During a Tense Time
There were other flights across Europe that "faced unfounded hoax bomb scares." Many led to emergency landings and lengthy inspections.
The bomb threats come at a time when geopolitical tensions are running high. There have also been several drone incursions and attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe.
Earlier this week, several flights across the continent received hoax bomb threats. This prompted searches and diversions. In one case, the Italian air force escorted a flight until it landed.
Another flight bound for Bulgaria was diverted to Hungary after receiving a bomb threat while in the air. No one was injured.
