For the second day this week, flights across Europe have been subject to bomb threats, leading to diversions, delays, and security responses for more than two dozen flights. Authorities thus far have found no actual threat aboard any of the aircraft. On Tuesday, 3 November, at least seven flights were subject to threats as well.
Nearly two dozen flights affected on 5 November
According to a tally by The Guardian, as of 15:00 UTC, 25 flights have been affected so far on 5 November. Three flights, EI402, FR1730, W46387 have been diverted. Others have been inspected upon arrival at their intended destination.
Ryanair has been most affected with at least 10 total flights affected. Other airlines affected include LOT, Wizz Air, Finnair, Aegean, Iberia, SkyExpress, easyJet, Air Europa,and AirSERBIA. The specific flights affected at Prague and Madrid are not yet known.
What happens when a threat is made against an aircraft?
When a threat against an aircraft is received, a complex set of logistical activities are activated to ensure the safe arrival of the flight and all onboard. While the flight is airborne, the crew will work with the relevant authorities and air traffic control to make the determination where to land. In some circumstances, like in the case of today’s EI402, the aircraft will be redirected to a secure airfield. In other cases, aircraft will taxi to a remote area of the destination airport. In both situations, military aircraft may be used to escort the flight.
After landing, passengers will be disembarked, while their belongings remain on board. Specialist teams are then brought in to search the aircraft and all baggage. Once an all clear is given, work begins to take care of the passengers and get the aircraft back into service.
If the aircraft has been diverted the airline will work to bring the aircraft and passengers onward to their intended destination either by sending a replacement aircraft or departing directly onward, depending on the crew’s duty hours. Dealing with an unsubstantiated threat can take hours of work and dozens of security, airport, and airline personnel.
While clearing an aircraft can often be tedious and time consuming, the number one goal is the safety of the passengers and crew.
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