Security Protocol Activated Following Mid-Air ‘Hijack’ Alert on Mumbai-Bound Air India Flight

New Delhi : Air India’s Mumbai-bound flight AI 2957, which had taken off from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, triggered a mid-air ‘hijack’ alert. At around 8:40 PM, the pilot of the aircraft sent an emergency signal to air traffic control (ATC) in Delhi, suggesting that a hijack situation had occurred onboard.

Despite the pilot later clarifying that it was a false alarm, the standard security protocol remained in effect. In line with aviation security procedures, the Delhi ATC immediately activated a response plan, notifying relevant authorities, including Mumbai’s airport, various security agencies, and the Indian Air Force.

The alert set off a comprehensive security response, with a central committee formed to handle the situation. The committee included representatives from key security agencies such as the Delhi Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the Air Force. This coordinated effort is designed to ensure swift action in the event of a hijack or other serious in-flight emergency.

As the flight continued its journey, authorities in Mumbai prepared for the aircraft’s arrival, ensuring that security protocols were in place for any eventuality. Fortunately, upon landing, it was confirmed that the hijack alert had been a false alarm, and no threat had materialized.

The false alarm, while an inconvenience, highlighted the rigorous measures in place to protect passengers and crew, ensuring that all potential threats are met with the appropriate level of response. Despite the situation being resolved without incident, the event underscores the importance of stringent security measures in modern aviation.