Several bomb threats disrupted passenger flights across Europe on November 2 and 3, 2026, prompting emergency landings and aircraft security inspections. Flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines, SAS, Ryanair and Wizz Air were among those affected. Authorities are investigating the incidents, with no confirmed link between the threats so far.
Europe bomb threats: 5 flights affected, airports on alert
(Image via Getty Images)
A series of bomb threats has triggered security alerts across European airports, affecting at least five passenger flights over November 2 and 3, 2026. Aircraft operated by LOT Polish Airlines, SAS, Ryanair and Wizz Air were among those affected. Another flight arriving from Israel faced a similar alert in Bulgaria. All five aircraft landed safely, although several airports had to activate emergency procedures.
The incidents have raised questions about whether the threats are connected and who might be responsible. Police and bomb disposal teams inspected aircraft, passengers and luggage. Authorities have yet to establish any connection between the incidents or publicly identify those responsible.
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What happened? Timeline of Europe’s aircraft bomb threats
November 2: Wizz Air, London to Sofia
A Wizz Air Airbus A321 flying from London Luton to Sofia diverted to Budapest after receiving a bomb threat. Hungary scrambled a Gripen fighter jet to escort the aircraft. Security checks found no explosives, and the airline subsequently prepared to continue the flight to Bulgaria.
November 3: LOT Polish Airlines, London to Warsaw
A Boeing 737 MAX carrying 181 people received a bomb threat alert at 9:54 am local time. The aircraft diverted from Warsaw Chopin Airport and landed at Warsaw-Modlin at 10:01 am.
Passengers disembarked as security personnel searched the aircraft. Modlin Airport temporarily closed before resuming operations at 11:50 am.
November 3: SAS, Copenhagen to Warsaw
SAS flight SK751 landed safely at Warsaw Chopin Airport following a separate threat.
The airline confirmed, “We can confirm that a threat has been made against flight SK751 between Copenhagen and Warsaw. The aircraft landed normally in Warsaw and the passengers have disembarked.”
November 3: Ryanair, Manchester to Murcia
Ryanair flight FR4116 landed at Murcia Airport in Spain following a bomb alert. All 114 passengers and seven crew members disembarked. Spanish authorities inspected the aircraft and later ruled out explosives.
November 3: Flight from Israel to Sofia
An aircraft arriving from Israel landed at Sofia Airport after authorities received an emailed bomb threat. Counter-terrorism personnel inspected the plane. Airport arrival records indicated an El Al service from Tel Aviv.
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Who sent the threats and how were they discovered?
Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or established whether the incidents were coordinated.
The Sofia warning reportedly arrived through email. The exact origin and delivery method of the other threats remain unclear.
A bomb warning can reach an airline through airport staff, electronic messages or other channels. Authorities assess each report and may order a diversion or aircraft search.
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What should relatives of passengers do?
Families should first check the airline’s official flight-status page and contact customer support using the passenger’s flight number and booking information.
For passengers travelling with LOT Polish Airlines, the airline’s official 24-hour contact centre can be reached at +48 22 577 77 55.
Relatives of SAS, Ryanair, Wizz Air and El Al passengers should use their respective airlines’ official websites or customer service channels.
Passengers may temporarily lose phone access during security inspections. Families should avoid relying on unverified social media claims and wait for confirmation from the airline or airport authorities.
For now, all five aircraft are reported to have landed safely. The investigation into the threats continues.
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