Hoax bomb threats hit dozens of European flights, prompting jet escorts and diversions

Summary

Hoax bomb threats hit commercial flights across Europe on Thursday, November 5, extending a run of threats earlier in the week. Outlets differ on the count: CBS News reported at least 15 flights received threats that day, bringing the week's total to more than 20, Hindustan Times put Thursday's figure at around 20, and The Japan Times said nearly 30 flights were affected by the end of Thursday. The Straits Times reported that more than two dozen flights were disrupted this week. The threats prompted fighter-jet escorts, diversions, airport security checks and aircraft searches. The Guardian reported that a Tarom flight from Prague to Bucharest sent the general emergency code 7700 before landing safely in Bucharest, and that the threat was later confirmed to be unproven; Ireland's government said the threats were likely a coordinated campaign of disruption. The New York Times reported that more threats were reported on Friday and that officials had not reported finding any explosives, though the hoaxes have added to anxiety over hybrid attacks on the continent.

Timeline

1. CBS News

   5 Nov 2026, 14:13 UTCSource ↗

   CBS News reports that at least 15 commercial European flights received bomb threats on Thursday, bringing the week's total to more than 20.

2. The Straits Times

   5 Nov 2026, 22:30 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that more than two dozen flights were disrupted this week after European airlines were targeted by bomb threats.

3. Hindustan Times

   6 Nov 2026, 00:27 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that around 20 flights across Europe received hoax bomb threats on Thursday, prompting fighter-jet escorts, diversions and airport security checks.

4. The Japan Times

   6 Nov 2026, 01:02 UTCSource ↗

   The Japan Times reports that a highly unusual spate of bomb threats affected nearly 30 flights by the end of Thursday.

5. The New York Times

   6 Nov 2026, 12:53 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that more threats were reported on Friday after dozens of planes were targeted earlier this week, and that officials have not reported finding any explosives.

6. The Guardian

   6 Nov 2026, 13:28 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that a Tarom flight from Prague to Bucharest sent the general emergency code 7700 before landing safely, and that the threat was later confirmed to be unproven.