Bomb threats disrupt TV channels and flights across Europe
Multiple broadcasters and airlines faced disruptions following a series of hoax warnings that prompted evacuations and aircraft diversions.
Bomb threats sent to television stations and airlines across Europe on Friday and Thursday caused evacuations and flight diversions, according to reports from Deccan Herald and Moneycontrol. The threats included emails sent to Irish broadcaster RTE, Britain's Sky, and Bulgaria's Nova TV, warning that a device would detonate in 45 minutes.
No explosives were found at any affected site. At RTE, programming was replaced by music and pre-recorded messages for up to three hours, while staff returned to the campus after a police sweep. The Nova newsroom in Sofia was also evacuated and checked before being deemed safe.
Airlines also faced disruptions, including a Wizz Air Holdings Plc flight from Milan to Warsaw that diverted to Vienna. An Aer Lingus flight carrying more than 150 passengers and six crew members diverted to a military base in Évreux, Normandy, as a security precaution.
Other incidents involved a LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Paris being directed to a parking stand for security checks. At least seven flights were disrupted between Monday and Tuesday, involving airlines such as Ryanair Holdings Plc and Scandinavian Airlines.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said security agencies have not yet determined if the threats are from individuals or a coordinated attack. He stated the activities are designed to cause disruption, fear, and anxiety.
The emails received by Nova and RTE were signed by Mikhail Andropov, who claimed to be a leader of the group responsible for recent plane hoaxes.