📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Eluveitie
Crime
Air India passengers recall hijacking scare on Frankfurt‑Delhi flight
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 15 Oct 2026, 05:01 AM
👁 11
Passengers on an Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi said they were informed the aircraft could not land in Delhi for security reasons, sparking a hijacking scare.
A group of passengers on an Air India service that departed from Frankfurt and was bound for Delhi recounted a security alert that prevented the plane from landing in the capital. According to the travelers, cabin crew announced that Delhi authorities had denied clearance for the aircraft due to unspecified security concerns, prompting fears of a possible hijack attempt.
The passengers said the announcement caused panic onboard, with many questioning whether the flight would be diverted or forced to return to Europe. No official statement from Air India or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been released at the time of reporting.
Air India confirmed that the flight continued its journey after the incident but declined to provide further operational details. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and said all security protocols were followed.
Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the security threat that led to the denial of landing rights. The incident highlights the heightened vigilance surrounding international air travel in the current security environment.
The incident remains under review, and passengers are awaiting clarification from the airline and relevant security agencies.
The passengers said the announcement caused panic onboard, with many questioning whether the flight would be diverted or forced to return to Europe. No official statement from Air India or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been released at the time of reporting.
Air India confirmed that the flight continued its journey after the incident but declined to provide further operational details. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and said all security protocols were followed.
Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the security threat that led to the denial of landing rights. The incident highlights the heightened vigilance surrounding international air travel in the current security environment.
The incident remains under review, and passengers are awaiting clarification from the airline and relevant security agencies.