An international Air India flight coming to Delhi from Frankfurt, Germany was diverted to Jaipur following a security threat on Wednesday morning. After the safe landing of the plane, security agencies started investigation at the airport. According to initial reports, the pilot of the plane had used the international hijack related alert code for some time. Apart from this, it has also come to light that the plane received a bomb threat.
Flight AI-2030 was being operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. After landing at Jaipur International Airport, the plane was taken to a separate isolation bay. There the security personnel started checking the plane.
What is the matter?
According to reports, Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) received an emergency signal from the plane. Officials with knowledge of the matter told news agency PTI that the pilot had sent transponder code 7500 for some time. This code is used to indicate a situation like illegal interference or hijacking of the aircraft. However, the reason behind sending this code by plane is not yet clear. Investigating agencies are trying to find out under what circumstances the alert was sent and what kind of danger was there to the plane.
According to information quoted by PTI, the Frankfurt-Delhi flight was diverted towards Jaipur after receiving a bomb threat. After this the airport administration and security agencies started emergency procedures. Malviya Nagar Assistant Police Commissioner Shiv Dayal told PTI that the airport authorities had informed the police about the emergency landing of the plane following the bomb threat.
What is squawk code 7500?
During flight, this code is used to send important information between the aircraft and air traffic control. These codes sent through transponders provide signals to air traffic control about the position of the aircraft and emergency situations. Squawk code 7500 indicates unlawful interference with aircraft internationally. This may also include a situation like hijack. When an aircraft sends this code, air traffic control can initiate necessary safety procedures keeping in mind the potential threat.
According to initial information, the pilot had sent this code for some time when the plane was in the Mumbai Flight Information Region (FIR). After this the plane was diverted to Jaipur. However, sending code 7500 does not automatically prove that the aircraft was hijacked. The circumstances under which the code was used in this incident will become clear only after investigation.
Which codes are sent by flight in case of emergency?
- Squawk 7500: This code is used to indicate a situation of unlawful interference with aircraft. The possibility of hijack also falls in this category.
- Squawk 7600: This code is used when the aircraft loses radio contact with air traffic control. This is considered a sign of communication failure.
- Squawk 7700: This is a general emergency code. Pilots can use it in situations like engine failure, fire in the aircraft or any serious medical emergency.
What were the preparations for Jaipur airport?
After the landing of the plane, the security agencies had tightened the security arrangements at the airport. According to initial information, Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), airport security personnel and local police took part in the action. The area in the isolation bay where the plane was kept was surrounded. Security teams started checking the plane and the passengers and crew members on board were screened. Security checks of passengers and their luggage were also being done. Along with this, the aircraft was being searched so that it could be ascertained whether any danger existed.