By Fatma Younis
More than 20 aircraft across Europe were targeted by bomb threats in the second such wave this week, prompting the UK government to label the incidents a "malicious hoax."
Second Wave of Threats
The latest series of threats follows a similar pattern earlier in the week, affecting flights across multiple European countries. Authorities are investigating the coordinated nature of the hoaxes.
BBC Verify Examines Communication Trail
BBC Verify has analyzed messages exchanged between an aircraft and air traffic control to illustrate how a bomb threat is relayed during a flight. The examination reveals the step-by-step process controllers follow when a crew reports a potential explosive device on board.
Threat Relay Procedure
According to the analysis, when a flight crew receives a bomb threat, they immediately notify air traffic control. Controllers then coordinate with relevant authorities and other aircraft in the vicinity, following established security protocols to assess and manage the risk.
