aircraft hijacking
Midair criminal takeover
Aircraft hijacking is the seizure of an airplane by force or threat, typically while in flight.
Hijackers may divert the plane to a different destination, hold passengers hostage for ransom or political demands, or use the aircraft itself as a weapon.
The practice prompted extensive airport security measures beginning in the 1970s.
Also called skyjacking.
- hostage-takingSeizing persons for demands
- terrorismIntimidation through targeted violence
- metal detectorsDevices locating concealed objects
- security checkpointInspection point for safety
- biometric screeningIdentity check via body features
air marshals · Interpol · extradition · political extremism · 9/11 attacks · D.B. Cooper · skyjacking · mental instability · extortion · bomb threat · international law · coercion · emergency landing · control tower · passenger manifest · piracy · no-fly lists · ransom demands
- federal crimesbank robbery, kidnapping, counterfeiting, tax fraud, wire fraud
- international crimesterrorism, state terrorism, bioterrorism, treaty violations, sanctions evasion
- capital crimesfirst-degree murder, premeditated murder, treason, high treason, felony murder
aircraft hijackingcommercial aviation
Scheduled passenger air transport
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