Hoax bomb threats see at least 35 flights in Europe searched or diverted
A wave of hoax bomb threats hit commercial flights across Europe this week, The Guardian reported. French fighter jets intercepted an Aer Lingus plane, and some observers have begun pointing at Russia.
Airlines and airports across Europe are on high alert after a wave of hoax bomb threats against commercial flights this week. At least 35 planes were searched or diverted, The Guardian reported on Friday. Authorities hope for a quieter day after Thursday's disruptions. According to BBC Swahili, the alerts came in quick succession. They hit one airline first, then one airport after another. In almost every case except London's Heathrow, officials judged the threats credible enough to divert the planes. In Italy, fighter jets took off to escort a targeted aircraft. French authorities are taking a closer look at one of Thursday's incidents. An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to the Évreux military base after a bomb threat. The Guardian reported that the pilot insisted on landing at a civilian airport instead. Évreux public prosecutor Rémi Coutin told ICI Normandie that the pilot's apparent initial refusal to land where instructed led the French military to scramble two fighter jets. The jets intercepted the plane. Coutin said the pilot and co-pilot will…
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