Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT, and SAS flights searched or diverted after 7 bomb hoaxes

Disruption overview

Passengers on 7 Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT, and Scandinavian Airlines flights faced searches or diversions across Europe on 3 November 2026 after bomb threats that UK officials described as malicious hoaxes. All aircraft landed safely, and no explosives were found, but the response included an evacuation at Warsaw Modlin Airport, inspections at Rome Fiumicino Airport, and temporary closures at both Warsaw airports. Authorities found no evidence of terrorist activity or hostile state involvement, while investigations continued. Compensation is unlikely because the security threats were outside the airlines' control, but affected passengers may still be entitled to refunds, rebooking, and care during their disruption.

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Disruption details

Bomb threats prompted searches or diversions of 7 planes across Europe on 3 November 2026, affecting Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT, and Scandinavian Airlines. All aircraft landed safely, and security checks found no explosives. UK officials described the threats as malicious hoaxes.

For passengers, this meant unexpected changes to their journeys, including diversions, evacuation, and security inspections. If you were on an affected flight, a safe arrival didn't necessarily mean your disruption was over: checks also led to temporary airport closures in Warsaw.

The affected flights departed from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, and Italy. Aircraft were searched or diverted in Poland, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria.

A LOT service from Heathrow Airport to Warsaw was diverted to Warsaw Modlin Airport following a threat. Passengers were evacuated, and the airport briefly closed while security checks took place. Nothing was found.

A Scandinavian Airlines flight from Copenhagen landed at Warsaw Chopin Airport, where part of the airport closed for an inspection. The incidents brought security checks to both Warsaw airports.

In Spain, emergency vehicles met a Ryanair flight from Manchester Airport when it arrived in Murcia. At Rome Fiumicino Airport in Italy, authorities searched 2 Ryanair aircraft that had flown from Lisbon and Dublin. Italian Air Force fighter jets escorted the Dublin service to its arrival.

In Bulgaria, threats targeted a Wizz Air flight from Bergamo and a Ryanair service from Dublin to Sofia. Each carried about 180 passengers. Both aircraft landed safely, and searches found no devices.

A separate incident had taken place the previous day, on 2 November. A Wizz Air flight from London Luton Airport to Sofia made an emergency landing in Budapest, Hungary, after a bomb threat was received during the flight. That incident was separate from the 7 aircraft affected on 3 November.

Authorities said there was no evidence of terrorist activity or hostile state involvement. Investigations and monitoring across borders continued despite the searches finding no explosives.

Compensation under EC 261 or UK 261 is unlikely for these disruptions because security threats are normally considered outside the airline's control. Although compensation is unlikely here, that doesn't mean you're without support.

If your flight is canceled, your airline must offer an alternative flight or a refund if you decide not to travel. During a long wait, you may also be entitled to food and refreshments. If the disruption leaves you away from home overnight, accommodation and transportation to it may be required. The support you're entitled to depends on your flight and circumstances.

If you're unsure how the rules apply to your journey, AirHelp's free flight checker can help you check your eligibility. Follow your airline's instructions, particularly for check-in and boarding.

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Information on this page is AI generated, but always checked by a (human) passenger right expert.