Bomb Threats Disrupt Flights Across Europe as Aircraft Are Searched and Diverted

A string of bomb threats has disrupted passenger flights across Europe in recent days, forcing diversions, emergency landings and security sweeps, though no explosive devices have been found, Reuters reported on 3 November 2026.

FAKTA

• At least seven flights were affected on 3 November alone, according to aviation reporting, in addition to a diversion on 2 November.
• Two Ryanair flights were searched at Rome’s Fiumicino airport on 3 November, one from Lisbon landing at 09:40 CET and one from Dublin landing at 10:30 CET, the latter escorted by the Italian Air Force.
• A Ryanair flight from Dublin to Sofia landed safely with 185 passengers on board, and a Wizz Air flight from Milan/Bergamo to Sofia landed safely with 176 passengers; no explosive devices were found in either inspection.
• A Wizz Air flight from London to Sofia diverted to Budapest on 2 November after a bomb threat, escorted by a Hungarian Gripen fighter jet.
• A LOT Polish Airlines flight from London made an unscheduled landing at Warsaw-Modlin airport on 3 November, and an SAS flight from Copenhagen to Warsaw was checked at Warsaw-Chopin airport after a bomb threat report.
• Authorities have not established a connection between the incidents or whether they form a coordinated campaign.

Europe flight bomb threats on 3 November

At Rome’s Fiumicino airport, both Ryanair aircraft went through security protocols including searches and bomb sweeps of the plane, luggage, passengers and crew, airport operator ADR said. ADR said the alert was cleared, there was no bomb threat to the airport itself, and other flights were not affected.

In Spain, Murcia’s international airport activated a security protocol on 3 November after a bomb alert was received on a Ryanair flight from Manchester, the government delegate for the Murcia region, Francisco Lucas, said. The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked away from the terminal while security teams inspected it; no explosives were found.

Flights to Sofia, Warsaw and Budapest affected

Bulgaria’s transport ministry told Reuters that a bomb threat was made against the Ryanair flight from Dublin to Sofia and against a Wizz Air flight from Milan/Bergamo to Sofia on 3 November. Both aircraft landed safely in Sofia and inspections found no explosive devices.

The Sofia incidents came a day after a Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia diverted to Budapest after a mid-flight bomb threat. A Hungarian Gripen fighter was scrambled to escort the aircraft, and security checks were carried out on the aircraft and passengers.

On 3 November, a LOT Polish Airlines flight from London made an unscheduled landing at Warsaw-Modlin airport after a bomb threat alert, a LOT spokesperson confirmed, and an SAS flight from Copenhagen to Warsaw landed at Warsaw-Chopin airport and was checked, a Chopin airport spokesperson said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were any explosives found?

No. In every search completed so far, no explosive devices were found, according to Reuters and airport and ministry statements.

How many flights were affected?

At least seven flights on 3 November, plus the London–Sofia flight diverted to Budapest on 2 November.

Are the threats linked?

Authorities have not established a connection between the incidents or whether they are a coordinated campaign.

What should passengers do?

Passengers on affected routes should check with their airline for the latest departure information, as security checks can cause delays even when flights land safely.

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