Seven Flights Caught Up in Bomb Alerts Across Europe
Seven flights were caught up in bomb alerts across Europe on 3 November 2026. Some were diverted, others faced security searches, and airports restricted operations. Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines, SAS and Wizz Air services were affected in Italy, Poland, Spain and Bulgaria. One aircraft was sent to a different Warsaw airport, while another was escorted to Rome by Italian fighter jets. Investigators are looking into whether the threats were linked.
A LOT flight from London Heathrow to Warsaw Chopin was diverted to Modlin, briefly closing the airport. An SAS aircraft from Copenhagen landed at Chopin, where one runway closed for security checks. At Rome Fiumicino, police searched Ryanair flights arriving from Lisbon and Dublin. The Dublin service was escorted by two Italian Eurofighter jets, while passengers and baggage underwent checks after landing.
Other warnings targeted Ryanair’s Manchester–Murcia and Dublin–Sofia services, plus a Wizz Air flight from Bergamo to Sofia. All three landed at their intended airports, where security teams searched the aircraft. No explosives were found on any of the seven flights. The incidents followed another threat on 2 November, when a Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia diverted to Budapest.
What Happens if a Bomb Threat Is Reported Mid-Flight
- During flight: Pilots may divert while authorities prepare security checks.
- After landing: Passengers may leave the aircraft for police screening.
- Baggage: Police may check cabin bags and hold luggage in separate searches.
- Rapid exit: If told to evacuate, leave your bags where they are.
- Next steps: Ask the airline whether your flight will continue and how you will reach your destination.
A bomb threat can leave passengers at an airport they never expected to visit. Under EU and UK rules, if the diversion is to another airport serving the same city or region, the airline must cover transport to the booked airport or an agreed nearby destination. Security incidents can rule out fixed compensation, although airlines still have to provide meals, accommodation and other assistance when the relevant passenger rights apply.
