Hoax bomb threats divert and delay flights across Europe

Moderate · Security · Europe

Since 3 Nov 2026 · Checked 8 Nov 2026, 05:01 UTC

As of 8 November, hoax bomb threats are still disrupting flights across Europe, with dozens of flights targeted since 3 November. Some flights have been diverted or made emergency landings, and fighter jets have escorted others. These include Ryanair flights to Sofia, a Wizz Air Brussels–Sofia flight and an Aer Lingus Dublin–Rome flight diverted to France. On Friday 6 November, newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria received emailed threats from a purported "Mikhail Andropov" claiming responsibility. European officials have voiced concern that this is a "hybrid" campaign, which Moscow denies. No end date and no airline suspensions have been announced.

What travellers should do

Check your flight status with your airline before going to the airport, and allow extra time. If your flight is diverted, follow crew and airline instructions and ask the airline about rebooking or care.

Latest updates

  1. 8 Nov 2026, 05:01 UTC

    On 7–8 November, reports said newsrooms in Ireland (RTÉ) and Bulgaria (Nova TV) received emailed threats on Friday 6 November from a sender calling himself "Mikhail Andropov", who claimed responsibility for the hoaxes.

  2. 7 Nov 2026, 17:01 UTC

    By 7 November, reports say bomb threats have targeted dozens of flights this week, and Italy's foreign minister Tajani has suggested the cyberthreat is ongoing.

Check your flight

See any strike or closure we know of for your flight, with its safety, baggage and your rights.

Your rights if your flight is affected

  • Cancelled flight: you can usually choose a full refund or a new flight, even when the cancellation isn't the airline's fault. Ask for a refund to your original payment, not just a voucher.
  • Flights departing the EU or UK, or flown by an EU or UK airline into them: on top of a refund you may be owed €250–€600 (or £220–£520) for a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, or a delay of 3 hours or more on arrival.
  • No compensation is due for extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, security threats, airport or airspace closures and air traffic control strikes. Strikes by the airline's own staff usually do count.
  • While you wait, airlines covered by EU and UK rules must provide meals and, if needed, a hotel. Keep receipts for anything you pay yourself.

Airports affected

Airlines affected

Sources: Newsroom bomb threats follow escalating European flight hoaxes - Bytes Europe, Aer Lingus plane among 27 flights hit by bomb hoaxes - RTÉ, Why a wave of bomb threats is proving so difficult for Europe's aviation authorities to contain - CNBC, European flights and broadcasters are targeted with another wave of bomb threats - NPR

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