False bomb threats disrupted at least four flights across Europe on Tuesday, according to RTE.ie. The alerts affected air traffic in several countries and prompted security responses on the ground and in the air.
Among the incidents, a Ryanair flight that departed Dublin was escorted by Italian fighter jets after a bomb threat was received, The Journal reports. The Irish Times reports that two Ryanair flights leaving Dublin were among the aircraft affected by the false alerts.
Coverage of the disruption varied in scope. Sky News reported bomb threats on multiple flights, including two that originated from UK airports. The Financial Times reported that seven aircraft were grounded in Europe following the threats.
The reports describe the threats as hoaxes, and no details of injuries or damage have been given in the material available. It is not clear from the reporting whether any passengers were evacuated or how long individual flights were delayed.
The incidents come as European carriers and airports respond to security alerts that can require military escorts, ground stops and inspections. The reporting does not identify who was responsible for the threats or whether any arrests have been made.
Authorities have not publicly outlined a common cause across the affected flights, based on the reports available. Further updates from airlines, airports and police are likely to clarify the total number of flights involved and any disruption to schedules.
