Europe bomb hoaxes hit flights, newsrooms as campaign spreads

· Security · Ireland · European Union

A fresh wave of bomb threats disrupted at least 18 flights across Europe on Friday, following days of hoaxes that have caused diversions and fighter-jet escorts, though affected aircraft landed safely and searches found no explosives. Media organisations in Ireland, including national broadcaster RTE and Newstalk, were evacuated after threats, some deemed hoaxes; outlets in Bulgaria and the UK were also affected. The Irish government said the campaign was likely 'a coordinated campaign of disruption'. Russia's 'Male State' founder denied links to the threats, which were signed 'Mikhail Andropov' and headlined 'Message to the West'. South Korea's Incheon Airport stepped up security.

Why it matters：A sustained, apparently coordinated hoax campaign is straining European aviation security and testing how authorities respond to low-cost disruption.

Key points

  • At least 18 flights were affected on Friday; no devices were found.
  • Threats also forced evacuations at Irish media outlets.
  • Ireland called it likely a coordinated campaign of disruption.

Sources (original reporting)

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