New Wave of Bomb Threat Alerts on Flights Sent by Email

At least 18 flights in Europe received bomb threats signaled by a message written in Italian; eight of these incidents involved routes or airports linked to Italy, with security procedures and notifications to prosecutors. According to ANSA, the threats mainly affected low-cost airlines and legs between Italy, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic.

Summary of the facts

• At least 18 flights were the target of bomb threats sent by email in Italian, according to reports cited by ANSA.
• The messages primarily affected low-cost airlines and routes with origin or destination in Italy, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic.
• Airport authorities and airlines informed the press of the incidents and forwarded data to the competent prosecutor’s offices for investigation.

Cases registered in Italy

At least eight flights related to Italy were affected, involving airports such as Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Linate. Among the reported episodes:

• A Ryanair flight on the Pescara–Charleroi route suffered an alarm after the word "bomb" was found in the aircraft lavatory at 13:13, according to information from the airport itself.
• Passengers on this flight were gradually disembarked and subjected to full searches; teams with bomb-sniffing dogs and checks of baggage were deployed. The searches found no device or risk, according to local authorities cited by ANSA.

Operations at the airports followed safety protocols: partial evacuation or controlled disembarkation, inspection of the aircraft, sweep with equipment and dogs, and baggage checks. After the verifications, the flights resumed their routes or were canceled/rescheduled as appropriate.

Other incidents and measures

There was also mention of a Dublin–Rome flight that was diverted to France, according to reports gathered by ANSA. In all cases, airlines and airport authorities adopted standard safety procedures and passed information to prosecutors for criminal investigation of the threats.

• Official communications between airports and prosecutors aim to gather digital evidence (such as the threat email) and trace the origin of the messages.
• Sources noted that, while the investigation lasts, temporary increases in controls and inspections may cause delays and disruptions on affected routes.

Relevance for Brazilians and descendants of Italians

For travelers between Brazil and Italy – including those traveling for tourism, family, or citizenship procedures "citizenship" – the episodes may have indirect effects:

• Increased controls and possible delays in connections in Europe, especially on routes operated by low-cost carriers that concentrate short-haul flights between countries.
• It is advisable to monitor notices from airlines and airports, plan for extra time in travel, and check boarding conditions in advance.
• Verify documentation and instructions from the airline before boarding and consult reliable sources about the situation at arrival and connection airports. News about flight security and operational updates may appear in sections such as News from Italy and Life in Italy.

What is known and what is still being investigated

• The authorship and motivation behind the threats are still under investigation; the competent prosecutors have received the communications and must analyze digital traces and possible responsible parties.
• To date there is no confirmation of actual devices on the flights mentioned; searches and inspections did not locate explosives on the aircraft referenced by ANSA.
• Authorities maintain the security alert level and recommend rigor in safety procedures while investigations continue.

Conclusion The new wave of bomb threats sent by email in Italian led to mobilization at European and Italian airports, with safety protocols activated and investigations led by prosecutors. Passengers should follow airline and airport guidance and anticipate impacts on connections and schedules.

Source: ANSA