Aer Lingus Flight EI402 Diverted to French Base After Bomb Threat
Aer Lingus flight EI402 was forced to land at Évreux Air Base in France after a coordinated bomb threat on 5 November 2026, affecting the 151 passengers and six crew members on the Dublin‑Rome route.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Aer Lingus flight EI402 was diverted to a French military base after a bomb threat
- Timing
- Diversion occurred on 5 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Passengers on EI402 and airlines operating similar routes
The details
- Announced by
- French Prime Minister’s Office (Matignon)
- Takes effect
- 5 November 2026
Incident Overview
Aer Lingus flight EI402 departed Dublin at 06:40 GMT bound for Rome. While cruising over northern France the crew received a bomb‑threat alert, broadcast a squawk 7700 emergency code and turned back toward Normandy.
The Airbus A320, carrying 151 passengers and six crew members, was redirected to Évreux‑Fauville Air Base (Base 105) where it landed safely at 09:04 GMT.
- Departure: Dublin (DUB) 06:40 GMT
- Emergency code transmitted: squawk 7700 at 08:45 GMT
- Diversion point: over northern France, then to Évreux Air Base
- Landing time: 09:04 GMT, all occupants unharmed
Security Response
French authorities, led by the Prime Minister’s Office, deployed fighter jets to escort the aircraft and mobilised bomb‑disposal teams upon arrival. The plane was moved to an isolated area of the base for a full sweep of cabin and luggage.
Military and police personnel set up temporary immigration and passport screening stations, as the base does not have standard civil‑airport facilities.
- Fighter jets scrambled to escort the aircraft
- Bomb‑disposal units conducted explosive‑detection searches
- Mobile border‑control units processed all passengers
- Aircraft secured and inspected before any further movement
Passenger Impact
Aer Lingus confirmed that all passengers were safe and the airline will arrange onward travel to Rome as soon as possible. Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 the diversion is classified as an extraordinary circumstance, meaning cash compensation is not payable.
The carrier remains obligated to provide meals, accommodation and transport from the diversion point, as required by passenger‑rights legislation.
- Airline must offer re‑routing or refund
- No cash compensation due to extraordinary circumstance
- Duty of care includes meals, hotel and transport from Évreux
- Possible passport or visa checks for non‑EU travelers
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Passengers on EI402 faced a delay of several hours before reaching Rome.
- Future Aer Lingus flights on the Dublin‑Rome corridor may experience heightened security checks.
- Travelers should monitor airline communications for updated departure times.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees were charged for the emergency diversion.
- All passengers were required to present passports to French authorities at the military base.
What you need to do
- Aer Lingus will rebook affected passengers on the next available Rome‑bound service.
- Passengers should keep travel documents handy for possible border processing at the diversion site.
- Travelers are advised to check airline notifications for any further itinerary changes.
Who this affects
-
EI402 passengers
The flight was diverted to a military base after a bomb threat, directly affecting those on board.
What to do Passengers must follow Aer Lingus instructions for re‑booking and comply with French border checks.
-
Aer Lingus Dublin‑Rome customers
The incident highlights security risks on this route and may lead to additional screening.
What to do Customers should stay informed about possible delays or extra security procedures.
-
European airlines operating similar routes
Coordinated bomb threats targeted multiple carriers across Europe on the same day.
What to do Airlines must be prepared for emergency diversions and provide required passenger care.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Aer Lingus flight EI402 diverted to a French military base?
The aircraft received a coordinated bomb‑threat alert while over northern France, prompting the crew to broadcast a squawk 7700 emergency code and land at Évreux‑Fauville Air Base for safety.
Did any explosive device get found on the EI402 aircraft?
No device was discovered; French bomb‑disposal teams completed a thorough sweep of the cabin and luggage and found nothing suspicious.
Are passengers entitled to cash compensation for this diversion?
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 the diversion is classified as an extraordinary circumstance, so airlines are not required to pay cash compensation, though they must offer re‑routing or a refund.
What care is the airline required to provide after the diversion?
Aer Lingus must provide meals, accommodation and transport from the diversion point to the final destination, as mandated by passenger‑rights legislation for extraordinary events.
Will the diversion affect future Aer Lingus flights between Dublin and Rome?
The incident may lead to increased security checks and possible schedule adjustments on the Dublin‑Rome corridor, so travelers should monitor airline updates for any changes.
