Fighter jets were scrambled toward an Israel-bound passenger plane Tuesday after the aircraft reportedly issued a hijacking alert before the warning was withdrawn, prompting the flight to turn back while aviation officials investigate the incident.
The Electra Airways plane, operating for LOT Polish Airlines, was flying from Warsaw to Israel when it turned around in midair after circling near Cyprus. According to reports, the pilot pressed a cockpit button that signals a hijacking.
The aircraft, an Airbus A320, issued the alert while flying over Turkish airspace. It later flew over Cyprus, circled in the area and turned back after it was not granted permission to land in Cyprus.
Senior aviation officials described the incident as highly unusual and dangerous, and said an immediate investigation would be opened. Some officials said investigators were examining whether the pilot may not have pressed the distress button by accident before withdrawing the alert.
Circling near Cyprus before turning back: The plane’s route
The IDF said two Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward a civilian aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea after a report was received of a loss of contact with the plane.
“The incident has ended and contact with the aircraft was restored,” the IDF said. “There is no concern of a security incident.”