Seven bomb threats against European flights were reported Tuesday, all of which were confirmed to be false alarms, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
The threats affected flights involving Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, and SAS. A LOT flight from London Heathrow to Warsaw was diverted to Warsaw Modlin. A SAS flight from Copenhagen to Warsaw was also affected. Ryanair flights from Manchester to Murcia, Lisbon to Rome, and Dublin to Rome were targeted, along with a WizzAir flight from Bergamo to Sofia and another Ryanair flight from Dublin to Sofia.
The UK government confirmed that two of the planes affected had departed from British airports. “The UK has one of the most robust aviation security systems in the world, with well-tested processes for dealing with any potential threats, as well as malicious hoax threats, like those we’ve seen today,” a spokesperson said.
The Zelensky Visit
In Berlin, Zelensky thanked Germany for its continued support, including on air defense, and said that while many people would be following the US midterm elections, “the role of Europe — and specifically Germany — remains crucial.”
Merz said Zelensky’s visit came “at a critical moment” as Russian attacks on Ukraine continued with “undiminished — indeed, increasing — severity and ruthlessness.” He pledged that Ukraine “can continue to rely on Germany,” with more support in the coming months, including on air defense, energy, and winter-related aid.
Merz warned that the outcome of the war “will determine European security for a long time to come.” He said Germany would host a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Berlin on November 19.
The Diplomatic Track
Zelensky confirmed upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11, which he said would hopefully “pave the way for a trilateral meeting at the level of heads of states and government.” He said he hoped the talks would cover future security guarantees for Ukraine, a “prosperity package” for reconstruction, and a proposal on energy and a Black Sea truce.
He rejected Russia’s suggestion of a meeting in Moscow as “counterproductive,” saying what was needed was serious talks, not a gimmick. He also insisted that Russia has no advantage on the frontline at the moment.
The Broader Concerns
Merz also warned of growing concerns about the broader effects of the war, including a potential “global food crisis” triggered by Russia’s continued attacks on trading routes in the Black Sea. He said the upcoming Abu Dhabi talks were “the right step forward” and that Berlin and its partners would “increase the pressure on Moscow and continue to support Ukraine.”
The Bottom Line
Seven European flights were hit by false bomb threats Tuesday, all confirmed as hoaxes. The threats came as Zelensky met Merz in Berlin, where Germany pledged continued support for Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi and rejected Russia’s suggestion of a meeting in Moscow. Merz warned of a potential global food crisis from Russian attacks in the Black Sea.
