Bomb threats disrupt flights across Europe
A wave of hoax bomb threats has targeted dozens of flights across Europe, causing diversions and adding to anxiety over possible hybrid attacks. Officials have reported no explosives found. The threats, which began in early November, have also broadened to include European broadcasters and air traffic services.
Current state
A continuing wave of hoax bomb threats is disrupting dozens of flights across Europe and has broadened to target European newsrooms and broadcasters; no explosives have been found, and newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria received threats from someone identifying as 'Mikhail Andropov'.
3 sources · 5 reports · Updated 6 Nov 2026
What changed
European bomb threats claimed by 'Mikhail Andropov'
Newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria received bomb threats from someone identifying as 'Mikhail Andropov', giving the wave of European hoax alerts a claimed name but leaving the actual perpetrator unresolved.
Developments
- Key development
On 6 November, the hoax alerts broadened to include European broadcasters and newsrooms, with Irish media evacuations reported, while more flights continued to be targeted; newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria received threats from someone identifying as 'Mikhail Andropov'.
- Key development
On 5 November, a second wave of hoax threats hit at least 22 flights across Europe, forcing emergency landings and diversions; officials said all targeted planes landed safely.
- Key development
On 3 November, suspected bomb threats targeted at least seven flights across Europe; the aircraft landed safely and searches found no explosives.