European authorities are investigating a fresh surge of bomb threats targeting flights and airports Friday, following a day where at least 26 similar threats were reported across the continent. These incidents have led to diversions, emergency landings, and extensive security searches.
Media organizations have also been targeted, with staff at Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ evacuated from its Dublin headquarters on Friday due to a bomb threat. Sky News in the United Kingdom also confirmed it was among the media outlets that received a security threat.
"We have carried out a security assessment and reported the matter to the relevant authorities," a spokesperson for Sky stated. "The safety and security of our colleagues is our primary concern, and we are working closely with authorities to ensure our people and operations remain secure."
No explosives have been discovered on any of the aircraft that were searched on Thursday. Officials have not yet determined the origin of the threats or whether they are connected. The Czech police reported investigating a threat concerning an improvised device intended for aircraft arriving at and departing from Prague Airport. While security measures were enacted, the impact on airport operations was minimal.
On Thursday, four planes bound for Prague received bomb threats; all landed safely, and subsequent searches revealed no suspicious objects. Copenhagen police also reported being present at the airport on Friday due to threats directed at air traffic, marking the second consecutive day of security concerns in the city. Their initial assessment indicated no danger to passengers or airport users, though an investigation is ongoing.
On Thursday, a bomb disposal unit searched two planes at Copenhagen Airport following threats, but no devices were found. In Ireland on Friday, RTÉ's headquarters in Dublin experienced an evacuation after a bomb threat was received, affecting some broadcasting services. These incidents follow a week where at least seven planes across Europe were searched or diverted due to bomb threats, with all flights landing safely and no explosives found.
Authorities have not confirmed if the incidents are linked, and no group has claimed responsibility for the threats.