Two Aer Lingus crew members have been questioned and allowed to leave France after their Dublin-to-Rome flight was diverted to a French military airbase following a suspected bomb threat. The investigation remains open, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s landing at Évreux.
What happened to the Aer Lingus flight?
The Aer Lingus service, flight EI402, departed Dublin on Thursday morning bound for Rome. After a bomb threat was sent to Italian airports, the aircraft was redirected to Évreux airbase in northern France and escorted by two French fighter jets.
Passengers were taken off the aircraft after it landed. French authorities searched the plane and examined the baggage, but no explosives were found. The threat is being treated as false, although inquiries into the wider incident are continuing.
Aer Lingus pilots questioned by French investigators
The captain and co-pilot were interviewed by French investigators on Thursday. Évreux public prosecutor Rémi Coutin said the inquiry began after authorities were informed that the pilot had initially refused a request to land at the airbase.
Investigators are seeking to establish whether the landing request was refused and whether the reported conduct could amount to a criminal offence. Both pilots were permitted to leave French territory after their interviews.
The captain is an Irish national, while the co-pilot is British. French authorities are also expected to examine the aircraft’s black box as part of the investigation.
- The flight travelled from Dublin to Rome.
- It was diverted to Évreux airbase after a suspected bomb threat.
- Two French fighter jets escorted the aircraft.
- No explosives were found during searches.
- The pilots were questioned and allowed to leave France.
- The investigation is still under way.
Aer Lingus says crew acted professionally
Aer Lingus said the captain and crew handled the security incident professionally and put passenger safety first. The airline said the care and protection of passengers remained its priority throughout what it described as challenging circumstances.
The statement comes as French and other European authorities investigate a series of hoax threats that disrupted almost 30 flights on Thursday. The threats affected aviation operations across several countries and prompted heightened security measures.
What did the bomb threat say?
A copy of the message published by Italian news agency Ansa claimed that an explosive had been placed on the Dublin flight and on another aircraft travelling from Helsinki. The message referred to an attack against what it called the “feminist regime”. Authorities have not reported finding any device connected with the claims.
The threat was serious enough to trigger an international aviation response. Fighter aircraft were deployed, the Aer Lingus plane was moved to a military facility, and passengers and baggage were screened after landing.
Why the incident matters for Irish passengers
The episode highlights how quickly aviation security procedures can affect flights travelling between Ireland and mainland Europe. A threat does not need to be credible for authorities to take precautionary action, particularly when an aircraft is already in the air.
For passengers, such incidents can lead to diversions, delays, additional screening and uncertainty about onward travel. Travellers affected by a disruption should check directly with their airline or airport for confirmed information rather than relying on unverified social media reports.
The incident is also being examined against the backdrop of major European meetings due to take place in Dublin the following week. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee described the wider series of threats as extremely concerning.
What happens next?
French investigators will continue examining the reported refusal to land, the communications surrounding the diversion and the aircraft’s flight data. The black box examination may help establish the sequence of events and the instructions given to the crew.
Authorities are also continuing inquiries into the wider pattern of hoax bomb threats that disrupted flights across Europe. At this stage, no explosives have been found on the Aer Lingus aircraft, and the pilots have been allowed to leave France.
Frequently asked questions
Was there a bomb on the Aer Lingus flight?
No explosives were found when the aircraft and baggage were searched at Évreux airbase.
Why was the plane diverted to France?
The Dublin-to-Rome service was diverted after a suspected bomb threat was sent to Italian airports. French fighter jets escorted it to Évreux.
Are the Aer Lingus pilots still being detained?
No. The captain and co-pilot were questioned by investigators and authorised to leave French territory.
Is the investigation finished?
No. French authorities are still investigating the reported refusal to land and the wider hoax threat operation.
Conclusion
This Breaking News incident ended without explosives being found, but the diversion and military escort underline the seriousness with which aviation threats are treated. The Aer Lingus pilots have left France after questioning, while investigators continue to review the flight data and the wider European disruption. Further developments will determine whether any criminal charges follow.