European Aviation: Nine Flights Threatened in Prague as Hoax Wave Continues

Nine flights faced bomb threats at Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport on Friday, according to airport spokesperson Denisa Hejtmánková. The targeted aircraft included arrivals from Denmark, Spain, and Britain, as well as departures bound for the Netherlands, Cyprus, Romania, Italy, and Britain. Czech police coordinated with airport staff to implement security measures, which officials described as having a minimal impact on normal operations.

This activity follows a week of intense disruption across Europe. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office confirmed that four additional threats were issued against planes flying over French territory on Friday. All affected aircraft landed safely, and bomb disposal teams conducted inspections without finding suspicious items. In Portugal, police screened a Ryanair flight from Lisbon to Rome after receiving a threat, allowing passengers to board after additional checks. A WizzAir flight from Prague to Rome was diverted to Venice, where inspections yielded negative results before air traffic resumed.

Police in Denmark and the Czech Republic both investigated air traffic threats on Friday. In Copenhagen, officers went to the airport for a second consecutive day as a precaution. They assessed that there was no danger to passengers and that flights proceeded without disruption. The pattern of threats has created uncertainty, though no injuries have been reported in the incidents detailed this week.

The wave of hoaxes has prompted concern from aviation leaders. Paul Reuter, vice president of the European Cockpit Association, stated that the threats create unnecessary tension but that crews are prepared to respond professionally. He noted that pilots review diversion procedures and may carry extra fuel. Reuter called the use of civil aviation for geopolitical disruption or hoaxes “totally unacceptable.”

Authorities have not identified the source of the threats. An email sent Thursday to Rome airport officials purported to come from an anti-feminist group targeting a “feminist regime.” A similar threat reached another European airport, though it is unclear if the same sender was involved. No evidence has linked the hoaxes to a specific government or state actor, despite warnings that Russia may be increasing hybrid threats in Europe.

Disruption extended beyond airports in Ireland. The Dublin headquarters of national broadcaster RTE was evacuated on Friday after a bomb threat, forcing live broadcasts to switch to pre-recorded programs. An Garda Síochána said it was aware of threats against media organizations in Ireland and Europe and is investigating the matter. The police force is liaising with Irish media groups as part of the inquiry.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin addressed the situation, saying the threats illustrate how simple it can be to cause disruption through unconventional activities designed to cause fear. He announced that a large security operation will be in place next week when Dublin hosts meetings of the European Political Community and European Union leaders.