• Diversions and disruption has recommenced today across European skies as more reported suspected bomb threats to aircraft have been received.
• Over nearly 20 flights have been affected and the situation at the current time appears isolated to Europe.
• UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described these as ‘malicious hoax threats,’ addressing broadcasters, and there is no current indication that this is related to cargo onboard aircraft.

Diversions and disruption has recommenced today across European skies as more reported suspected bomb threats to aircraft have been received.

“We condemn these attempts to disrupt air transport. Safety is the number one priority for the industry and we take all threats seriously. We urge the authorities to find the origins of these hoax threats. meanwhile passengers should be assured that aviation security measures will continue to ensure the highest levels of public safety,” Nick Careen Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security at IATA stated.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described these as ‘malicious hoax threats,’ addressing broadcasters.

She stated she is “aware that a small number of flights across Europe have been disrupted” and that there are “established processes for dealing with hoax and malicious threats, and that’s what these threats have been,” according to BBC News.

Over nearly 20 flights have been affected and the situation at the current time appears isolated to Europe.

In some cases national military aircraft have been reported to have been scrambled to escort flights into the nearest available airport.

“Aviation has historically been a target for bomb threats but the industry has well proved mechanisms for dealing with such threats. When a threat to an aircraft has been notified to the airline the threat is passed to a team of assessors. These assessors use standard processes to grade the threat and decide whether the threat is Red (credible), Amber (partially credible) or Green (not credible). Amber is not considered an appropriate assessment if the plane is airborne. If the threat is assessed as not credible staff on the plane will not be informed of it. However, when a threat is assessed as credible (red or amber) the flight crew will be informed immediately and they will carry out company procedures for a credible bomb threat,” Joji Waites, BALPA Director of Flight Safety, Policy and Regulation, said.

“From the moment the flight crew is notified of a credible bomb threat, commander of the aircraft, the captain, is in command and will make all the decisions, guided by the appropriate checklist, for the safety of their aircraft. Usually if a plane is still on the tarmac that will mean an evacuation, and if it is in the air the priority will be to land the plane as soon and as safely as possible. Pilots are highly trained and skilled professionals. Their expertise is invaluable in insuring passenger safety, and keeping aviation one of the safest forms of transport there is,” he added.

No explosives have been confirmed to be found on any aircraft pre departure or during searches when landed.

“Any threats against civilians are unacceptable. Ensuring the safety and security of citizens remains a priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with the affected Member States and European Aviation Safety Agency. The EU-level information sharing mechanism has been activated related to aviation security. I have asked the national authorities that have the responsibility for assessing security thrreats, investigating incidents and implementing appropriate aviation security measures to cooperate closely with airport operators, airlines and law enformcement authorities. It is too early to draw conclusions on whether the reported incidents are linked.” EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas posted on X.

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