A mystery group calling itself the “Male State” has claimed responsibility for a wave of bomb threats that have caused chaos to flights across Europe.
The threats have triggered widespread flight disruption, emergency diversions and fighter jet interceptions, with investigators now examining claims of responsibility from a shadowy anti-feminist group.
At least 27 passenger flights were affected by the latest outbreak, marking the second major wave of threats in just three days.
The incidents have involved several major airlines, including Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, Finnair and LOT Polish Airlines, with aircraft forced to make unscheduled landings or undergo extensive security inspections.
Among the most serious incidents was an Aer Lingus flight travelling from Dublin to Rome, which was diverted to a French military airbase at Évreux after a bomb threat was received.
French fighter jets intercepted and escorted the Airbus A320 to the base, where bomb disposal specialists examined the aircraft. All 151 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated.
Three Ryanair services heading to Sofia, Bulgaria, from Madrid, Copenhagen and London were also targeted. Two landed in Sofia under military escort, while the London service was diverted to Plovdiv.
Other affected flights included services operated by Finnair, Wizz Air, LOT and Air Serbia, with authorities conducting searches at airports across Italy, France, Bulgaria, Austria, Romania and the Czech Republic.
According to the BBC, authorities in Rome received an email signed by a group calling itself “Fighters of the Male State”.
The messages reportedly contained misogynistic and anti-feminist language, with one warning that explosives had been placed aboard three Ryanair aircraft heading to Bulgaria.
The group name has raised questions about a possible Russian connection. Male State is also the name of a far-right, ultra-nationalist movement in Russia known for its anti-feminist views and Nazi-inspired symbolism.
However, investigators have not established any connection between the Russian movement and the individuals sending the latest threats.
Authorities have also cautioned against assuming that all the incidents are connected, with the European Union saying it is too early to draw conclusions.
British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the incidents as malicious hoax threats, while European investigations remain ongoing.
