In brief
Bomb threats on November 6 disrupted at least 18 flights heading to Lisbon, Rome, Prague and Sofia, and also directed attacks at British and Irish media houses. Irish officials described the incidents as part of a coordinated campaign, while the BBC and Guardian provided details on flight security responses and the extent of the disruptions. The Italian prime minister linked the threats to broader security concerns, and a group claiming responsibility said the attacks were only the beginning.
On 6 November, a coordinated campaign of bomb threats disrupted flights across Europe and targeted several media organisations, according to the Irish government. The threats affected flights to Lisbon, Portugal; Rome, Italy; Prague, the Czech Republic; and Sofia, Bulgaria, with at least 18 flights cancelled or rerouted that day, UPI reported.
The Irish prime minister’s office said that RTÉ, Virgin Media, Newstalk and the Independent also received threats on the same day, and that the attacks were “not known yet who is responsible for these threats, whether it is individuals or a centralised or coordinated effort.” The statement framed the incidents as part of an ongoing wave that had already hit more than 50 flights that week.
The BBC’s coverage added that three of the aircraft were escorted by Hungarian fighter jets, a detail that highlights the heightened security measures adopted by aviation authorities.
The Guardian noted that Prague experienced the most threats – nine – and that the week's total disruption exceeded 50 flights, underscoring the breadth of the campaign. It also reported that a group appeared to claim responsibility for the attacks, stating, “This is only the beginning,” though no evidence was offered to substantiate the claim.
Threats to Aviation Routes
Ukip's report emphasised that the threats were specifically aimed at routes to and from Lisbon, Rome, Prague, and Sofia. Heathrow’s flight to Rome was among those cancelled and then escorted by Hungarian jets to ensure passenger safety. Hungary’s air force was deployed on at least three planes, according to the BBC.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, through a Rome‑based news outlet, expressed concern about the broader security escalation. She questioned whether the threats might be linked to recent attacks on blood banks in France, suggesting that the incidents could represent a wider pattern.
Media Organisations Targeted
RTÉ, Virgin Media, Newstalk and the Independent all received bomb threats that prompted evacuation and heightened security measures, the Irish prime minister’s office confirmed. The Irish government described the attacks as “a cause for concern” and called for increased vigilance across all sectors.
"It is not known yet who is responsible for these threats, whether it is individuals or a centralised or coordinated effort," the statement said.
The Guardian’s reporting followed up with a claim by an unnamed group that the attacks were only the beginning of a campaign of disruption. The Guardian could not substantiate the claim and noted that the group had not provided evidence.
The BBC’s reporting is limited to the military escort details, while UPI provides the most comprehensive overview of the attacks and the government’s response. The Italian prime minister’s comments, reported by Corriere della Sera, highlight concerns about the intersection of defence and healthcare spending amid the security backdrop.
Overall, the attacks demonstrate a coordinating effort that spans both aviation and communications infrastructure, raising questions about the motivations and organisational structure behind the campaign. As authorities continue to investigate, the wave of bomb threats remains a significant threat to passenger and media safety across Europe.
