A series of bomb threats over a 24-hour period has caused significant disruption to air travel across Europe, leading to emergency landings for at least seven passenger jets. The incidents, described as a flurry of hoax calls, sparked flight chaos on Tuesday morning with planes grounded in Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, and Poland.
Among the affected flights were two originating from the UK, departing from London Heathrow and Manchester. A third UK-bound flight experienced a similar threat the previous day. While it remains unclear if these incidents are connected, they follow a separate threat made against a Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Bulgaria, which required escort by a fighter jet.
Aviation experts warn that these events could lead to broader travel disruptions, even for passengers not directly involved in the threats. Anton Radchenko, aviation expert and CEO of AirAdvisor, explained that a grounded aircraft undergoing security checks might be scheduled for subsequent services, including return flights to the UK. Diversions can also leave aircraft and crew at incorrect airports, impacting other itineraries.
"An aircraft held for security checks may be due to operate another service afterwards, including a return flight to the UK," Radchenko stated. "A diversion can also leave the aircraft and crew at the wrong airport, so the disruption can reach passengers who were nowhere near the original incident."
He further noted that the process of clearing an aircraft after a security search does not instantly restore an airline's schedule. Airlines may need to reposition the aircraft, secure a new departure slot, or arrange for replacement crew if the original crew exceeds their working hours. These factors can contribute to further delays.
Despite the disruptions, Radchenko advised caution against predicting widespread cancellations solely based on these incidents. "The flights concerned landed safely and searches found no explosives," he said. "A precautionary diversion or inspection should not, by itself, be taken as evidence that a dangerous device was aboard or that the wider flight network is unsafe."
For travelers, Radchenko recommends checking individual flight status and airline communications rather than relying solely on news headlines. He stressed the importance of not assuming a reported delay permits late arrival for check-in. If a flight is operating, canceling it independently may forfeit refund rights that would be available if the airline canceled the flight.
Passengers directly affected by such incidents retain the right to appropriate care during qualifying delays or cancellations, even if the threat is ultimately proven to be a hoax and excludes fixed compensation. If a flight is canceled, passengers can opt for a refund or rerouting. If travel is still necessary, passengers should request the earliest suitable alternative, which may involve another airline. Keeping itemized receipts for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses is advised if the airline fails to provide the required assistance.