Jaipur, Octo 14: An Air India flight carrying approximately 250 passengers from Frankfurt, Germany, to New Delhi was diverted and made an emergency landing at Jaipur International Airport in Rajasthan following a hijack alert.
The Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) was immediately alerted and notified security agencies after the aircraft’s cockpit transmitted ‘Squawk 7500’—an international code indicating a hijacking—for a few seconds. The flight landed safely in Jaipur around 9:45 AM, and all passengers are safe.
Moved to Isolation Bay: Immediately after the emergency landing, the aircraft was moved to the airport’s ‘isolation bay’ to keep it separated from other civil aircraft.
Security Check: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the bomb disposal squad, and local police conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft, passenger luggage, and the cabin. Suspected technical glitch?: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is conducting an official investigation to determine whether the pilot intentionally sent this signal or if it was transmitted due to a technical malfunction in the transponder equipment.
What is ‘Squawk 7500’? In aviation, pilots use 4-digit emergency codes via the transponder when they are unable to communicate by radio during a crisis.
7500 (Hijack): A signal indicating that the aircraft has been forcibly hijacked or taken under control by someone.
7600 (Radio Failure): Used when voice communication between the aircraft and Air Traffic Control (ATC) is completely lost.
7700 (General Emergency): Used in situations such as an onboard fire, medical emergency, or engine failure.
Airlines extend cancellation of Riyadh flights: Meanwhile, amidst the continuing tense situation in Saudi Arabia caused by missile attacks from Houthi rebels, the cancellation of flights departing from India to Riyadh has been extended. Air India and Express: Air India Express has cancelled flights to Riyadh until October 14, while Air India has done so until October 15. Akasa Air has also suspended its services.
Full Refund: Passengers who had booked tickets are being offered a full refund or the option to change their travel dates free of charge.
Extensive Network: Air India Express operates 16 weekly flights to Riyadh from Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur, and Kozhikode, and Air India operates 7 weekly flights from Delhi and Mumbai; operations on all these routes are currently disrupted.