European Airlines face second wave of bomb threats this week

According to reports, airlines across Europe received a new wave of bomb threats on Thursday, the second such wave this week, forcing unplanned landings, fighter jet escorts and at least one diversion to a military base.

At least 20 flights were affected on Thursday alone. The incidents brought the total number of impacted journeys this week to at least 27, causing significant disruption for thousands of passengers. A flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to an air base in western France, where 151 passengers and six crew members deplaned safely while military teams examined the aircraft.

No devices have been found and authorities describe the messages as hoaxes. British government officials called the threats "malicious hoax threats" and noted the country's robust aviation security systems. Czech police confirmed similar anonymous emails reached multiple European airports, including Prague.

Airlines follow standard checklists before deciding on action. Eric Schouten of Dyami said an airline security department first evaluates each report against established criteria. Every carrier must still determine credibility and respond accordingly even when no device is later located.

Coordinated nature raises concerns about possible motives. Air France-KLM Chief Executive Ben Smith said he had never seen threats reported in such a coordinated fashion. Rhys Jones of Osprey Flight Solutions noted that bomb threats can arise from political grievances, activist campaigns, criminal activity or state-linked operations.

Disruption continues as investigations proceed. Flight tracking data showed the diverted Aer Lingus aircraft making sharp turns and loops before landing at Evreux. No explosive devices have been discovered on any of the affected planes this week.