What happens if there is a bomb threat on a plane?

The bomb threats in European air traffic are alarming authorities - and unsettling passengers. Are such incidents common? And what happens if there is a bomb threat on board? An overview of d

FAQ Threats against scheduled flights What happens if there is a bomb threat on an airplane? As of: November 7, 2026 • 9:10 a.m

The bomb threats in European air traffic are alarming authorities - and unsettling passengers. Are such incidents common? And what happens if there is a bomb threat on board? An overview of the most important questions.

This cluster is clearly an exceptional situation: According to the European Organization for the Safety of Aviation (Eurocontrol), there were bomb threats against 14 flights on November 5th and 6th and against seven flights on November 3rd.

Although there are always threats against individual flights or companies, German air traffic control, for example, cannot remember such an accumulation. According to a list by the Aerotelegraph portal, several Indian companies were simultaneously threatened via social media posts in October 2024. A bomb threat was directed against Hamburg airport in 2023, but it was part of a larger wave of threats against various targets in Germany.

Once again there are several indications of a possible bomb on board aircraft in Europe - nothing has been found so far. more

That depends first of all on where and in what form they come in. Airlines and airports immediately inform the security authorities and form crisis teams. The Cockpit Association states that the captain on board the aircraft is ultimately responsible for a flight that has already begun. You decide whether to continue the flight, divert or initiate a landing.

However, government authorities can restrict these decisions - for example, by refusing to land at a certain airport or by using interceptors to force the aircraft to another airport.

That is not yet clear. There is only speculation - several authorities in European countries are now investigating the incidents. The large number of attacks initially suggests a coordinated approach, whether by individuals or even by state-controlled actors. As the disruption lasts longer, free riders could jump in and make threats of their own.

It is also unclear whether the recent threats against media companies in Ireland are related to the air traffic incidents. However, the threats against the media "immediately follow the ongoing disruption to European air traffic caused by similar threats and it appears likely that this is a coordinated campaign of disruption," the Irish government said, according to the PA news agency.

There is said to be a connection with the threats against European air traffic. more

The crews of passenger aircraft are also regularly trained on bomb threats. Emergency plans apply that pilots and flight attendants implement. "It's about staying calm and developing a plan," says experienced Boeing pilot Matthias Baier.

If the aircraft is already in the air, depending on the specific threat situation, a suitable airport is usually headed for as close as possible in order to evacuate the aircraft there. This is done in coordination with air traffic control and the responsible security authorities.

Whether and when travelers are informed about the threat depends on the specific situation. The priority is that the crew can carry out the necessary safety measures in an orderly manner. Depending on the procedure, this may also include switching off the on-board WiFi and electrical charging options.

A reduction in the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air can also be provided under suitable flight conditions in order to limit the possible consequences of an explosion. Equalizing the pressure would make an explosion worse.

Once again there have been numerous bomb threats in Europe - both in air traffic and against media companies. more

“We are not explosives experts, but of course we have to keep the consequences of a possible explosion as small as possible,” says pilot Baier. There are special procedures that crews are prepared for when dealing with suspicious items. Which measures are taken depends on the specific situation and the aircraft manufacturer's specifications. The aim is to limit possible impacts on the people on board and the aircraft as much as possible.

As a rule, after landing, the aircraft is directed to a designated position that is separate from the rest of the airport operations. In the best case scenario, the fire brigade, security forces and specialists are already there to examine suspicious objects. Passengers exit the aircraft according to the situation and instructions from the crew. The machine is then examined by the responsible experts.

Mysterious bomb threats - planes all over Europe have to make emergency landings Heiko Neumann, HR, tagesthemen, Das Erste, November 5th, 2026 • 10:15 p.m. What rights do passengers have in the event of delays? According to the passenger rights portal Flightright, flight cancellations in connection with bomb threats are an exceptional circumstance that exempts airlines from compensation obligations. Regardless of this, the companies must ensure that their passengers get to their planned final destination as quickly as possible. According to Flightright, they not only have to consider other airlines, but also alternative means of transport - such as buses, trains and taxis.