Incident Overview
Description
Shortly after takeoff from Ercan in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, two men hijacked the MD-83. One of the two men was reportedly carrying a knife. They claimed to be members of Al-Qaeda and said they carried explosives. The hijackers demanded to be taken to Tehran, Iran. The pilots said they needed to refuel and landed in Antalya at 08:15. After striking a deal with the Turkish authorities, the hijackers released the women and children on board. Taking advantage of the confusion, most of the passengers escaped by breaking down the aircraft’s back door and the pilots jumped out of the cockpit, leaving only a few as hostages. They hijackers then surrendered. Media reports said police had found only modelling clay inside the package which the men claimed to contain explosives.
Primary Cause
Hijacking of an aircraft by individuals claiming affiliation with a terrorist organization.Hijacking of an aircraft by individuals claiming affiliation with a terrorist organization.Share on:
