What happens when an airline receives a bomb threat

Hundreds of passengers across Europe this week saw flights diverted or given military escorts after a wave of bomb threats officials described as malicious hoaxes. The origin of the messages was unclear, but the alerts arrived amid heightened tensions with Russia and warnings that Europe could face more so-called hybrid attacks. According to Joji Waites of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, assessors classify threats as credible, partially credible, or not credible. If credible, crews are told immediately and the captain decides using a safety checklist—evacuating if the aircraft is on the ground, or landing as safely and quickly as possible if already airborne. Industry guidance follows EASA and ICAO frameworks.