BRUSSELS – In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, European Commission transport and tourism commissioner Apostolos Cicikostas said that it is premature to conclude whether the recent spate of false bomb threats targeting aircraft across Europe are part of a coordinated hybrid or cyber‑attack.

Cicikostas noted that individual Member States have already opened investigations into the incidents and that the primary responsibility for assessing security threats, probing incidents and implementing appropriate safety measures in aviation rests with the competent national authorities, airport operators, airlines and law‑enforcement agencies.

The warning follows a series of false bomb alerts that struck roughly 20 flights on Saturday, prompting heightened security procedures at several airports. Among the affected services was an ER Serbia flight operating the Belgrade‑Bucharest route. The aircraft completed its journey without incident and landed safely at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest. Romanian security services assumed control of the situation after the landing and carried out standard protocol checks in line with national and EU aviation safety regulations.

The Commission’s brief comment did not provide details on the nature of the threats, the sources of the false reports or any evidence of a common perpetrator. Instead, it underscored that national bodies are the first line of defence and that any cross‑border coordination, if confirmed, would be addressed through existing EU mechanisms for aviation security and cyber‑defence.

European aviation officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of rapid information sharing among Member States when dealing with potential threats. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) are prepared to support national investigations, but they have not yet been formally involved in this particular case.

While the false alarms caused temporary disruptions, airlines reported that no passengers were harmed and no actual explosives were found. The incidents, however, have raised concerns among industry observers about the potential for misinformation campaigns to undermine public confidence in air travel.

The Commission’s cautious stance reflects a broader EU policy of avoiding premature conclusions that could inflame public anxiety or lead to unfounded accusations against specific actors. Authorities in the affected countries, including Romania, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, have pledged to keep the public informed as their inquiries progress.

The situation remains under close watch, and the European Commission has indicated that it will issue further statements should new evidence clarify whether the false bomb threats are linked or represent isolated incidents.

For now, travelers are advised to follow standard security instructions, remain vigilant for official updates from airlines and airport authorities, and cooperate fully with any on‑site checks should a similar alert arise.

Sources (learn more):

insajder.net — https://insajder.net/prenosimo/evropska-komisija-rano-da-se-utvrdi-da-su-lazne-dojave-o-bombama-u-avionima-medusobno-povezane