Bomb threats hit 7 flights across Europe, including Heathrow and Manchester: all false, no explosives found

At least seven passenger flights across Europe and an Israel-bound cruise ship received bomb threats on Tuesday 3 November, and every one was false: all the planes landed safely and searches found no explosives, Al Jazeera reported, citing Reuters and national authorities. No one has claimed responsibility. Ryanair was hit hardest, with four of its flights targeted.

Flight by flight

The day before, Monday 2 November, a Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia was diverted to Budapest after an in-flight threat, and Hungarian Gripen fighter jets escorted it down.

Who is behind it

Officials have not blamed anyone. European governments have accused Russia and Iran of "hybrid attacks" and sabotage in recent months, which both deny. Rhys Jones of Osprey Flight Solutions told Reuters that seven confirmed threats in one day was exceptional, and that the lack of a clear target suggested the aim was general disruption.

If you are flying to or from the UK and Europe

Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis live in the UK and travel through Heathrow and Manchester, many on low-cost connections with Ryanair and Wizz Air inside Europe.

• Expect delays, not cancellations, so far. Every affected flight landed and operations resumed after checks.
• Keep the airline app on. Diversions are announced through the airline first.
• Allow extra time at security at Heathrow and Manchester while police stay on alert.
• Do not share unverified threat messages: false bomb threats are a crime in the UK and the EU.

If a diversion leaves you buying a new ticket or a hotel night abroad, our currency converter and the pound rate page show what it costs in rupees. For PIA's own UK service, see PIA's Dreamliner flights on UK routes.