A passenger aircraft of Air India flying from Frankfurt, Germany to New Delhi was urgently diverted to Jaipur following a sudden security threat that arose mid-air. On Wednesday afternoon, after the Boeing 787-9 aircraft landed safely at Jaipur International Airport, it was taken to a special isolation bay. Following this sensational incident, there has been intense commotion among airport authorities and intelligence agencies.
According to a source of news agency PTI, while flight number AI-2030 was flying over the Mumbai Flight Information Region, the pilot activated ‘Squawk Code 7500’. As per international rules, this special transponder code carries a signal of hijacking or unlawful interference. As soon as this hijack alert was received, the air traffic control room immediately instructed the aircraft to change course towards Jaipur in Rajasthan instead of Delhi.
According to Shiv Dayal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Malviya Nagar area of Jaipur, airport authorities had alerted the police about the emergency landing of the aircraft after the security threat. Soon after the aircraft landed, the passengers and crew were deplaned in phases under the supervision of security personnel.
Meanwhile, considering the seriousness of the incident, the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Rajasthan Police, airport security forces and local police cordoned off the aircraft and sealed the entire area. The special team is currently continuing a marathon search operation in every nook and corner of the aircraft at the isolation bay. At the same time, police have revealed that all passengers along with their belongings and luggage are being re-screened.
Keeping this emergency situation in view, the National Security Guard (NSG) has also been kept on standby in New Delhi. How many passengers were on board the aircraft and what kind of threat compelled the pilot to send the hijack signal, the entire matter is still under investigation. Administrative officials stated that the real cause of the incident will become clear only after the search and preliminary investigation are completed.
