By West Midlands News
A fresh wave of bomb threats has caused disruption to flights across Europe, with aircraft diverted, searched and, in some cases, escorted by military jets.
The incidents, which affected at least a dozen flights on Thursday, come just days after a similar round of threats sparked security alerts across the continent.
One of the most notable cases involved a flight travelling from London to Sofia, Bulgaria, which made an unscheduled landing in Plovdiv after a bomb threat was reported. The aircraft was searched after landing, but no explosive device was found.
Police in the Czech Republic also confirmed they received bomb threats relating to several flights. After extensive security checks, authorities said the warnings proved to be false.
Italy was among a number of countries caught up in the disruption. Flights heading to Milan and Rome were targeted by threats, prompting enhanced security measures and inspections on arrival.
One Wizz Air flight bound for Rome was escorted by Italian Air Force fighter jets as a precaution. Another aircraft was diverted to northern France before continuing its journey.
The incidents closely mirror events earlier this week when a number of flights across Europe were subjected to similar bomb warnings. In every case investigated so far, no explosives have been found.
Despite signs that the threats may be hoaxes, aviation authorities have stressed that every report must be treated as genuine until proven otherwise.
That means aircraft can be diverted, passengers removed, baggage inspected and emergency procedures put into operation even when no credible threat ultimately exists.
The alerts have involved authorities in Bulgaria, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic, with investigators now examining whether the threats may be connected.
For passengers, the impact has largely been delays and disruption rather than danger. Officials have repeatedly emphasised that the aviation safety systems in place worked as intended and that security protocols were followed throughout.
With another busy period of air travel approaching, European security agencies are continuing their enquiries to establish who is behind the threats and whether they form part of a wider coordinated campaign.
For now, airports and airlines remain on heightened alert, while reassuring travellers that passenger safety remains the top priority.
