Air India Flight Diverted to Jaipur After Hijack Code Scare
An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur after the pilot squawked a hijack code. ATS and NSG are on high alert.
A high-stakes security emergency unfolded at Jaipur International Airport on Wednesday morning when an Air India international flight traveling from Frankfurt to Delhi was forced to make an unscheduled emergency landing. The diversion triggered an immediate massive security response after the pilot reportedly transmitted a distress signal indicating a potential hijacking.
The '7500' Emergency Signal
The incident involving flight AI-2030 began when the Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) received a critical emergency signal from the aircraft. According to reports, the pilot squawked transponder code '7500'—the universal aviation signal used to alert controllers of unlawful interference or a hijack attempt.
While the code was reportedly transmitted for only a few seconds, the protocol for such a signal is immediate and absolute. Aviation authorities and security agencies moved into high gear to manage the potential threat as the aircraft approached Indian airspace.
Emergency Landing and Isolation Protocols
The flight landed safely at Jaipur International Airport, where it was immediately escorted to a designated isolation bay. This move is part of standard operating procedures designed to isolate a suspected threat from the rest of the airport infrastructure.
Following the touchdown, a phased evacuation was conducted. Both pilots and all passengers were deplaned under heavy security supervision. To ensure the safety of the terminal, all passengers and their checked baggage are currently undergoing comprehensive physical screening and rigorous security profiling.
Security Lockdown: ATS and NSG on Alert
The scale of the response highlights the gravity of the situation. The following security measures have been implemented:
- Cordoned Area: The isolation bay has been completely cordoned off by local police and airport security.
- ATS Deployment: Ground teams from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Jaipur are on-site, conducting a thorough sanitization of the aircraft.
- NSG Standby: The National Security Guard (NSG) in New Delhi has been placed on high alert and is on standby to deploy should the situation escalate.
As of now, authorities are conducting a deep investigation to determine whether the squawk was a technical error or a genuine security threat. Further details regarding the passengers and the nature of the signal are awaited.