Aer Lingus plane lands at French military base after bomb scare
All 151 passengers and six crew members are safe as defusal teams examine the aircraft in Normandy.
By Fernando Rojas ·
European aviation authorities have faced a series of security disruptions this week. On Thursday, an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome diverted to a military air base in France following a bomb threat.
The aircraft landed safely at the base in Evreux, located in Normandy. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office confirmed that all 151 passengers and six crew members are unharmed. Military bomb defusal teams are currently examining the plane. The office stated it is following the situation in real time but released no further details immediately.
Flight tracking data indicates the plane was approaching Paris when it deviated from its path. The aircraft turned sharply off its trajectory and performed several loops before heading toward Evreux.
This incident is part of a wave of hoax bomb threats affecting flights across Europe this week. Officials reported that these threats prompted searches, diversions, and in one case, an escort by the Italian air force until landing. Airlines affected include Polish airline LOT, Scandinavian Airlines, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.
The series of threats followed a similar incident where a plane headed for Bulgaria was diverted to Hungary after receiving a bomb alert in the air. No injuries were reported in that case either.
Authorities note that such threats coincide with increased geopolitical tensions. Recent signs of disruption include attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, drone incursions in Europe, and mysterious triggers to alert apps. Officials warn that hybrid threats are currently widespread.
