Bomb hoaxes that grounded 25 planes include bizarre anti-feminist threat

Bomb threat hoaxes affected at least 25 European flights on Thursday, disrupting travel and prompting military escorts and diversions. Some emails reportedly threatened attacks on flights to Italy in the name of an anti-feminist group, claiming it would “turn the skies red”.

An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome, carrying 151 passengers and six crew, was diverted to a French military base and landed safely; the airline said it was arranging onward travel. A Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome also reported a threat but landed safely. No one has claimed responsibility, while several European governments have accused Russia of related sabotage campaigns; Moscow denies involvement.