Air India flight to New Delhi diverted to Jaipur after false hijack signal

Flight diverted after security alert

An Air India flight from Frankfurt to New Delhi was diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday, 14 October after a suspected hijack alert triggered a security response, with aviation authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The flight, designated AI-2030 and operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, landed safely at Jaipur International Airport at 9:35 am and was moved to an isolation bay for security inspections.

According to Times Kuwait, PTI reported that the alert was subsequently false, while initial checks indicated the aircraft was operating normally.

Passenger safety and checks

The aircraft was carrying 293 passengers and 13 crew members; all were disembarked and subjected to security checks before being cleared to reboard.

The flight was expected to resume its journey to New Delhi later in the day.

Preliminary information indicated that Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control received an emergency signal from the aircraft for a few seconds around 9 am.

The pilot reportedly activated the Squawk 7500 transponder code, an internationally recognised signal used to discreetly alert air traffic control to a hijacking or unlawful interference with an aircraft.

Following the alert, security agencies were notified and, at around 9:10 am, authorities at Delhi airport’s war room decided to divert the flight to Jaipur as a precautionary measure.

The aircraft was subsequently positioned in the airport’s isolation bay for detailed inspection.

Investigation and statements

In a statement, Air India said the flight had been diverted following a perceived security concern, confirming that the aircraft had landed safely and that the relevant security agencies had completed the necessary checks before clearing the aircraft and crew.

The airline added that its teams had coordinated with the authorities to minimise disruption to passengers, expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, and reiterated that passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority.

Adani Airport management, which operates Jaipur International Airport, also confirmed that all passengers were safe and said the situation was normal.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, including the circumstances that prompted the alert and the reported activation of the Squawk 7500 code, with findings expected to establish what triggered the security response.

The incident highlights the precautionary measures followed in aviation when a potential security threat is reported; although the alert proved unfounded, the aircraft was diverted and subjected to security checks before preparations began for the continuation of its journey.