More than a dozen flights in Europe receive bomb threats that an official calls ‘malicious’ hoaxes

More than a dozen flights in Europe received bomb threats on Thursday, triggering emergency landings, diversions and military escorts. Authorities said no hazardous or suspicious materials had been found, and Britain’s transport secretary described the threats as malicious hoaxes.

The incidents followed similar threats earlier in the week, but investigators have not established whether they are connected or who sent them. Two threats reportedly used language associated with groups describing themselves as anti-feminist. Aviation experts said each disruption could cost airlines up to $250,000, while the EU activated an information-sharing mechanism and national investigations continued.