Bomb Threats Target 27 Flights Across Europe
Airlines in several European countries received threats on Thursday ahead of a major political summit hosted by Ireland.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Terrorism
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At least 27 flights were confirmed to have been targeted with bomb threats on Thursday, including services from Dublin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan and Warsaw. Investigators have not established who is responsible for the threats, which are part of a wave of bomb threat hoaxes directed at airlines across Europe this week.
Why it matters
The threats come days before Ireland hosts the ninth European Political Community meeting, the largest gathering of heads of state in the country's history, with 55 leaders attending. Officials are working to determine whether the hoaxes are connected and to ensure security for the summit.
At least 27 flights were confirmed to have been targeted with bomb threats on Thursday, following four Ryanair flights searched on Tuesday, two of which departed Dublin Airport. Investigators have not yet identified who is responsible, and the EU transport commissioner is working with Irish ministers to determine whether the hoaxes are linked.
The players
Ryanair
Ryanair is a major low-cost European airline whose four flights were searched after threats this week.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is Ireland's national flag carrier, whose Dublin-to-Rome flight was diverted after a bomb threat.
European Political Community
The European Political Community is a pan-European forum of heads of state and government that was launched in 2022.
The details
An Aer Lingus Airbus A320 bound from Dublin to Rome was diverted to the Evreux air base in northern France after receiving a bomb threat, and it landed safely. Threats reached airlines through emails from various sources, and Ireland's Defence Minister said everything needed will be done to ensure the safety of heads of state.
Timeline
Tuesday: Four Ryanair flights searched, two departing Dublin Airport.
Thursday: At least 27 flights confirmed targeted with bomb threats.
Next Thursday: Ninth European Political Community meeting held in Dublin.
Friday: Informal meetings follow the EPC dinner in Dublin.
Seasonal Patterns
This wave of threats follows the pattern of coordinated bomb hoaxes aimed at European aviation, which has repeatedly disrupted flight schedules without yielding confirmed attacks. It places the Dublin summit within a recurring security cycle around major European diplomatic gatherings.
Travelers flying through European airports this week should expect possible extra security screening and delays. Check with your airline for the latest status before heading to the airport.
The takeaway
Threats against commercial aviation can disrupt travel even when no attack occurs, so build extra time into airport plans during periods of heightened security.
What happens next
Ireland will host the ninth European Political Community meeting at the Convention Centre in Dublin next Thursday, with informal meetings following the EPC dinner on Friday.
Further reading
For background on the threat landscape, see Terrorism coverage on Wisevoter.
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