What to know about the hoax bomb threats that targeted flights in Europe

Detailed summary

Bomb threats targeted dozens of flights across Europe this week following a string of hoaxes that caused flight diversions and forced airlines to scramble to keep passengers safe…

Bomb threats targeted dozens of flights across Europe this week following a string of hoaxes that caused flight diversions and forced airlines to scramble to keep passengers safe and air traffic disruptions minimal.

Fake bomb threats are relatively common, but it is unusual to see so many in such a short period. No suspicious items were found and no one has been injured, but the threats raised concerns because they came on the heels of other European disruptions — including attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems and drone incursions.

With unanswered questions hanging over the continent — it was not known whether the threats were linked, who sent them or what they hoped to achieve — security experts were to meet in Brussels next week to discuss measures to deal with the hoaxes.

The hoaxes have led to plane searches and diversions, and, in some cases, emergency landings and military…

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