Bomb threats, flight chaos and ‘Message to the West’: What’s happening in Europe?

European newsrooms received chilling bomb threats warning that “the clock is ticking” on Friday, prompting evacuations and broadcast suspensions across the continent. The messages threatened imminent explosions and claimed responsibility for a wider campaign targeting passenger aircraft across Europe. Ireland’s public broadcaster RTÉ evacuated its offices after receiving an email warning that an explosive device would detonate within 45 minutes. Bulgaria’s Nova TV received a similar message, while Britain’s Sky also reported a security threat. No explosives have been discovered at any affected location. Investigators have not established whether the newsroom threats share a source with the growing wave of aviation disruptions. Emails Threaten Imminent Explosions The emails sent to RTÉ and Nova TV carried the subject line “Message to the West.” They were signed by someone identifying himself as Mikhail Andropov, who claimed to lead a group behind the recent aviation threats. One message warned that an operative had planted an explosive device inside a broadcaster’s building. It gave authorities just 45 minutes before the alleged detonation. “But this is only the beginning. What happened this week is just a small part of what awaits Europe in the near future,” the sender wrote. RTÉ suspended programming and evacuated its offices while security teams investigated. Some broadcasts disappeared for as long as three hours, replaced by music and prerecorded announcements. Police inspected Nova TV’s newsroom in Sofia and declared the building safe. Employees subsequently returned to their desks, and the broadcaster maintained its programming. Sky also confirmed receiving a security threat. However, authorities have not disclosed whether its warning contained similar language or originated from the same sender. Aviation Threats Disrupt Flights The newsroom warnings followed several days of bomb threats targeting European aviation. The first major wave emerged Tuesday, affecting at least seven flights and a cruise ship. Threats prompted emergency landings, flight diversions and fighter jet escorts across Poland, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain. Another wave struck Thursday, affecting at least 27 flights. Friday brought further disruption across the continent. Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport reported nine threatened flights, including services connecting Denmark, Spain and Britain. France also reported threats against at least four flights. A Ryanair service scheduled to travel from Lisbon to Rome encountered another alert. At least three aircraft received escorts from Hungarian fighter jets during Friday’s incidents. Every affected aircraft landed safely, and authorities have found no explosives aboard the threatened planes. Investigators probe threat campaign Authorities have yet to identify the person behind the newsroom emails or establish whether all the threats share a common source. Investigators are examining the messages alongside the wider wave of aviation disruptions. The incidents have exposed how anonymous bomb threats can disrupt critical infrastructure without any confirmed explosives. Each alert forces security teams to investigate potential dangers before normal operations can resume. Aviation security specialist Eric Schouten told Reuters that airline security departments initially assess incoming threats through established procedures. They then alert authorities, who can order flight diversions or deploy fighter aircraft when necessary. Recent cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems have also heightened security concerns across Europe. Investigators have not established any connection between those incidents and the bomb threats. No explosives have been discovered at the affected aircraft or broadcasting facilities. However, the sender’s warning that this is only the beginning has left European authorities facing the possibility of further disruptions. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Aamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.