France is grappling with heightened security concerns as a wave of bomb threats targets multiple airports across the country, prompting evacuations and disruptions in air travel. This unsettling situation comes on the heels of the highest security alert being issued after a fatal knife attack at a school, underscoring the heightened state of vigilance.
Last Friday, France raised its security alert to the maximum level following a tragic knife attack at a school. The tension escalated this Thursday as a series of bomb threats led to the evacuation of at least eight airports. Among the affected airports were Brest, Carcassonne, Rennes, Tarbes, Bordeaux-Mérignac, Béziers, Montpellier, and Nantes.
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) acknowledged the threats, stating that “several national airports, including Nantes, received threats of attack this morning.” The precise number and names of affected airports were not disclosed due to the fluid nature of the situation.
Lille airport took to social media to announce its evacuation due to a bomb threat, later confirming that the alert had concluded, and the airport was gradually reopening to staff and passengers. Bordeaux airport, which had to evacuate for the second time in two days, issued a warning on its website, stating that operations were resuming gradually following a bomb threat.
The prefecture of Hérault reported the evacuation of Montpellier airport due to a bomb alert, which was subsequently cleared by authorities. Béziers Cap d’Agde airport was also impacted by the alert, with normal operations resuming after the threat was dispelled.
Despite the disruptions, an airport spokesman at Montpellier assured that the impact on travelers was minimal, with only one flight scheduled for departure in the late morning. Nantes airport also faced a bomb threat, prompting its evacuation, and the situation was being actively addressed by authorities.
Tarbes-Lourdes and Carcassonne airports confirmed their evacuation in response to bomb threats. However, by the afternoon, the threats had been cleared, and passengers and staff were allowed to return to these airports.
Thursday’s developments marked the second consecutive day of security threats at French airports. On Wednesday, numerous airports, including Toulouse, Biarritz, Pau, Nice, Lyon, Lille, Rennes, and Nantes, faced evacuations due to threats of attack. The incidents led to the cancellation of around 130 flights and numerous delays, but no explosions were reported, indicating that the threats were likely hoaxes.
France’s Transport Minister, Clément Beaune, expressed determination to address the false threats plaguing airports and tourist attractions in recent days. Beaune declared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), “These false alarms are not bad jokes. They are crimes. They will be sanctioned.”
Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti emphasized the severity of making false bomb threats under French law. Offenders could face up to three years in prison and a fine of €45,000. The government’s strong stance reflects the gravity of such incidents and the potential disruption to public safety and critical infrastructure.
As France grapples with this security crisis, there is a growing need for enhanced vigilance and coordination among security agencies to identify the source of these threats and prevent future incidents. The incidents underscore the challenges authorities face in maintaining the security of public spaces and transportation hubs, especially in the face of evolving threats. The government’s commitment to penalizing those responsible serves as a deterrent and reinforces the importance of safeguarding public spaces from potential harm.