Crimeupdated 30m ago2 min read
Europe Investigates Bomb Threat Emails From “Mikhail Andropov” Disrupting Flights
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5 Western Mainstream2 West AsianThis article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Emails from 'Mikhail Andropov' claimed responsibility for the hoax bomb threats on flights. Dozens of European flights were diverted or halted; authorities found no explosives.
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Hoaxes hit flights, newsrooms
A wave of bomb threats across Europe disrupted flights and prompted emergency landings, while newsrooms also faced evacuations and broadcast suspensions as security sweeps began. Newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria received emailed bomb threats on Friday from a purported "Mikhail Andropov", and the messages were headlined "Message to the West" and portrayed the threats as the prelude to attacks on means of transport across Europe.
Eurocontrol was aware of bomb threats against 14 flights on Thursday, and the threats were followed by military fighter jets escorting three separate passenger planes Friday across Hungary within an hour after each received bomb threats. At least seven flights and a cruise ship received hoax bomb threats beginning on Tuesday, and no explosives have been found and the threats have so far proved unfounded.
Names, numbers, and uncertainty
NPR reported that Eurocontrol said it was aware of bomb threats against 14 flights on Thursday, and NPR added that the threats caused minimal disruption to aviation across the continent. In Prague, Denisa Hejtmánková said a total of nine flights were threatened, and NPR reported that Czech police said security measures had "a minimal impact on the normal operations at the airport."
Reuters said it was not able to establish the identity of the sender, the origin of the emails, or whether they had in fact come from the same source as the threats to any or all of the dozens of flights affected since Tuesday. The CBC reported that Reuters was not able to establish the identity of the sender, the origin of the emails or whether they had in fact come from the same source as the threats to any or all of the dozens of flights affected since Tuesday.
Security posture and next steps
The British government spokesperson called the incidents "malicious hoax threats" and said the country has "one of the most robust aviation security systems in the world," as authorities continued inspections after each alert. NPR reported that Eurocontrol said it was monitoring the situation and working closely with airlines, airports, navigation service providers and other groups across Europe "to mitigate any disruption to air traffic flows."
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Europe appeared to be facing "hybrid aggression and a form of psychological warfare," while Moscow denied involvement. The CBC reported that the hoax wave raised concern over the widening impact if threats continue to spread, and the CBC said the incidents come on the heels of other European disruptions including attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems and drone incursions.