European authorities are investigating possible foreign involvement in the wave of bomb threats that disrupted dozens of commercial flights last week, as aviation security officials prepare to coordinate their response to the unprecedented concentration of hoaxes.
The threats, which peaked November 3, 5 and 6, triggered aircraft diversions, military fighter escorts, emergency landings and security inspections across numerous European countries. No explosives were discovered, and no injuries were reported.
According to figures attributed to Eurocontrol by Italian news agency ANSA, seven flights were affected November 3, 14 on November 5 and approximately 14 on November 6, bringing the total to 35 across those three days. Other news organizations reported higher numbers, apparently reflecting differences in counting methods.
Despite the widespread security response, Eurocontrol reported that the threats caused minimal disruption to Europe’s overall air traffic network.
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the threatening messages, including whether those responsible have connections to foreign governments. European intelligence services are also reportedly examining a possible Russian connection, according to reporting attributed to the Financial Times.
Some threatening emails purportedly originated from a group calling itself “Male State Fighters,” a name resembling that of a banned Russian extremist movement. However, the authenticity of those claims has not been established, and the movement’s founder has denied involvement.
The possibility of a coordinated hybrid warfare campaign remains under investigation. No government has formally attributed the threats to Russia or another state.
The incidents have also extended beyond aviation. Broadcasters in Ireland, Britain and Bulgaria received threatening messages, while Italian officials reported intimidation and the online exposure of personal information.
Meanwhile, European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas has announced that aviation security experts will meet in Brussels during the week of November 9 to discuss coordinated responses. The EU has already activated its aviation security information-sharing mechanism.
The investigation now centers on whether forensic evidence can establish a common source for the threats.
For aviation security agencies, the challenge extends beyond identifying perpetrators. Repeated false alarms require costly emergency responses and risk creating alert fatigue, even as authorities must remain prepared to respond decisively to genuine threats.
No additional commercial aircraft bomb threats occurring November 8 or during the morning of November 9 had been independently confirmed.