Hoax bomb threats hit at least 27 passenger flights across Europe on Thursday, from Ireland to Bulgaria, forcing some unplanned landings and prompting fighter jets to escort or intercept others. No explosives were found after the aircraft landed.
According to sources, no country has attributed blame. The disruptions marked a second major wave this week. An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome, EI402, was diverted as a security precaution to Evreux airbase in France with 151 passengers and six crew; they were moved to safety and a bomb unit checked the aircraft, finding nothing.
Bulgaria's air force said its fighters escorted three airliners down, and Spain, Denmark, Poland and Romania were among countries reporting disruptions. Several European officials have previously accused Russia of masterminding cheap, deniable "hybrid" attacks; Moscow denies such allegations.