European pilots raise concerns over military interceptions of civilian airliners amid bomb threats
ECA, IALPA and SNPL call for pilots’ decisions to be respected and warn against criminal prosecution of commanders acting to protect passengers and crew.
Brussels, 10 November 2026 – The European Cockpit Association (ECA), representing over 44,000 professional pilots across Europe, together with its member associations in Ireland (IALPA) and France (SNPL), expresses serious concerns about the way some State authorities seem to have responded to recent bomb threats against European commercial aircraft.
The events of recent days, during which multiple security threats have been made against aircraft operated by different European airlines, are unacceptable and pose a serious risk to aviation safety and flight operations across Europe.
As representatives of the pilot profession, ECA, IALPA and SNPL fully recognise and appreciate the assistance provided by authorities in responding to these threats and supporting flight crews in bringing their passengers and aircraft to safety.
However, reports indicate that, in certain circumstances, military aircraft have intercepted civilian airliners and directed aircraft commanders to land at specific airports without adequately considering aircrafts’ operational and safety requirements.
According to information received by IALPA, in one recent incident involving an Aer Lingus aircraft, military fighter aircraft directed the flight crew to divert to a military airfield for which they did not have the necessary aeronautical charts and operational information to safely conduct a landing. Despite the flight crew seeking an alternative and more suitable diversion airport, their request was refused.
ECA, IALPA and SNPL are also alarmed by subsequent reports that the pilots were apparently faced by the prospect of possible criminal prosecution for actions that were, at all times, aimed at protecting their passengers, crew and aircraft.
Capt. Paul Reuter, ECA Vice-President, said: “While fully recognising the responsibilities of State authorities in responding to security threats, it is essential that decisions taken during such incidents respect the professional judgement, legal responsibilities and operational authority of the aircraft commander. The pilots must not find themselves treated as a threat by the very authorities whose assistance they require.”
ECA, IALPA and SNPL emphasise that the aircraft commander has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the passengers, crew and aircraft. The commander is uniquely positioned to assess the operational circumstances and determine the safest course of action, taking account of all relevant factors, including aircraft performance, available aeronautical information, airport suitability, operational limitations and the availability of emergency assistance on the ground.
ECA, IALPA and SNPL are particularly concerned that any prospect of criminal prosecution against pilots exercising their professional judgement in such circumstances would risk undermining aviation safety and the effective cooperation between flight crews and State authorities.
They stand ready to engage constructively with the relevant national and European authorities to review the events of recent days, identify lessons learned and ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to protect passengers, crews and aircraft during future security incidents.
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Note to editors:
About ECA: The European Cockpit Association (ECA) is the representative body of over 44,000 pilots from across Europe, striving for the highest levels of aviation safety and fostering social rights and quality employment for pilots in Europe.
About IALPA: The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) is the professional association and registered trade union established to represent the interests of Irish pilots.
About SNPL: Syndicat national des pilotes de ligne (SNPL) represents and gives a voice to all professional pilots based in France. It brings together pilots from all airlines and air transport-related companies with operational bases in France (incl. the French overseas departments and territories).
Press Contact:
Okan Özkan
Communications Manager, ECA
oo@eurocockpit.eu
+32 492 05 15 55
Doris Mawle
IALPA
+353 18 44 52 72
Capt Romain LONLAS
Spokesperson – Executive Board, SNPL
+33 764 49 36 07
Marie-Claude AMPHOUX
Public Relations, SNPL
mcamphoux@snplfalpa.org
+33 149 89 24 22