Seven reported bomb threats against European flights have been confirmed as false alarms, aviation authorities said, after a day of disruption on routes involving a number of airlines including Ryanair and WizzAir.
The threats prompted security sweeps, delays and diversions at several airports as passengers were evacuated and aircraft searched. In each case, no device was found and the flights were cleared to continue.
Police in several countries are investigating the source of the threats, which officials believe may be linked. Hoax threats against aviation have risen sharply in recent years, with each incident costing airlines and airports tens of thousands of euros.
European aviation safety officials urged passengers to remain calm, stressing that every threat is treated as real until proven otherwise. "The system worked as intended," one official said. "There was never any danger to passengers."
The incidents come at a busy time for European air travel, with winter schedules beginning and passenger numbers near record levels.
