Air India flight diverted to Jaipur after hijack alert; 250 passengers safe

Jaipur: An Air India flight from Frankfurt to New Delhi carrying around 250 passengers was diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday following a security alert involving the aircraft’s transponder. The flight, AI 2030, landed safely at Jaipur International Airport at around 9.45 am, and all passengers were reported safe.

According to reports, the aircraft transmitted the emergency code ‘Squawk 7500’, which is internationally associated with a hijack or unlawful interference. The alert prompted the Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) to notify security agencies, following which the aircraft was diverted to Jaipur as a precautionary measure.

After landing, the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay to keep it away from other civilian aircraft. Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), local police and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducted security checks on the aircraft, its cabin and passengers’ baggage.

While initial reports referred to a possible bomb threat, airport sources indicated that the diversion was linked to a hijack alert. It remains unclear whether the signal was transmitted deliberately or resulted from a technical malfunction in the aircraft’s transponder. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reportedly investigating the incident.

What is Squawk 7500?

Aircraft transponders use specific four-digit codes to communicate emergency situations to air traffic controllers. Squawk 7500 indicates a hijack or unlawful interference, while 7600 signals a radio communication failure and 7700 indicates a general emergency.

Riyadh flight cancellations extended

Meanwhile, Indian airlines have extended flight cancellations to Riyadh amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia following reported missile attacks by Houthi rebels.

Air India Express has cancelled its Riyadh services until October 14, while Air India has extended cancellations until October 15. Akasa Air has also suspended its services.

Passengers with affected bookings have reportedly been offered full refunds or the option to reschedule their journeys without additional charges.