Bomb threat spree hits newsrooms amid flight disruptions across Europe

Bomb threats targeting flights and media organisations across Europe have triggered security operations and precautionary evacuations, with incidents reported in the Czech Republic, France, Denmark, Ireland, Britain, Bulgaria, Portugal and Hungary.

In the Czech Republic, police on Friday inspected aircraft at Prague Airport after threats were reported against at least nine flights, including four arrivals and five departures.

The targeted flights were travelling to and from destinations including Denmark, Spain, Britain, the Netherlands, Romania and Italy.

France also reported bomb threats against four aircraft flying over its territory.

In Denmark, Copenhagen Police completed precautionary security checks at the airport, saying their assessment indicated no danger to passengers or other users. Authorities were investigating the latest threats alongside those received on Thursday.

The alerts also extended to Bulgaria and Portugal.

Two flights bound for Sofia from London Stansted and Brussels landed safely after receiving threats.

In Portugal, police investigated an anonymous threat against a Ryanair flight travelling from Lisbon to Rome.

Meanwhile, Hungarian fighter jets escorted three civilian flights carrying bomb threats while they were in the country's airspace.

Media organisations

Media organisations were also targeted.

In Ireland, broadcaster RTÉ evacuated its Dublin headquarters after receiving a threatening email, while police searched the premises with sniffer dogs.

Mediahuis Ireland and Independent News Media also temporarily evacuated their offices. Virgin Media received the threat but continued broadcasting without evacuating its premises.

Ireland's government said that hoax bomb claims sent to Irish media outlets amid a spate of threats against Europe-wide flights were "likely" part of a "co-ordinated campaign of disruption".

British broadcaster Sky also confirmed that it had received a security threat.

The company said it had conducted a security assessment and notified the relevant authorities, adding that the safety of its staff remained its primary concern.

The incidents follow a series of false bomb alerts that disrupted dozens of commercial flights across Europe throughout the week, forcing some aircraft to make unscheduled landings and prompting fighter jets to escort or intercept civilian planes.

Investigations into the threats are ongoing.

TRT World / AFP, Reuters, AA — TRT World / AFP, Reuters, AA

Photo: Reuters