Israel Scrambles Fighter Jets Over False Plane Hijacking Report

After receiving a report of a possible passenger plane hijacking, Israel scrambled fighter jets.

The aircraft was en route from Warsaw to Tel Aviv when it came under heightened scrutiny from Israeli security services following a distress alert, The Jerusalem Post reported.

It was later determined that a pilot from Electra Airways had accidentally activated the aircraft’s emergency transponder code in the cockpit.

The crew quickly contacted ground control to clarify that the alert had been triggered by mistake and that the situation on board remained calm.

Despite the crew’s explanation, Israeli authorities chose not to dismiss the potential threat and implemented additional security measures as a precaution.

Fighter jets were dispatched to escort the passenger plane as a precaution.

The aircraft was carrying 180 passengers. It was initially diverted to Cyprus, but due to congestion at the airport, the flight was rerouted and ultimately landed in Sofia.