Aircraft hijacking, also called skyjacking or aircraft piracy, is the unlawful seizure or control of an aircraft by one or more people while in flight or on the ground. Hijackers may use threats, weapons, or deception to force crew and passengers to comply. Outcomes range from diversion of the aircraft to politically motivated demands, to violence and crashes in cases of terrorism.

Characteristics and typical methods

Hijackings often begin with boarding the plane with concealed weapons or by overpowering crew and security personnel. Methods have evolved: earlier eras featured politically motivated diversions, while modern incidents have included coordinated attacks in which the aircraft itself became a weapon. Some events involve the pilot being coerced, and in rare cases a pilot has taken control to divert a flight.

Common motives and targets

  • Political demands or asylum seeking.
  • Ransom or extortion.
  • Terrorism and mass-casualty attacks.

History and notable incidents

Hijacking emerged as a significant threat in the mid-20th century, prompting international rules and airport security changes. High-profile examples have shaped public policy: the coordinated suicide hijackings of 11 September 2001 demonstrated how seized aircraft can be used as weapons. Other cases have involved diversions to alternate airports or single-person takeovers; one reported episode involved the pilot diverting an internal Air China flight to Taiwan, while general descriptions often refer simply to a seized aircraft.

International agreements and national laws criminalize hijacking and prescribe cooperation among states for prosecution and extradition. Practical countermeasures introduced over decades include reinforced cockpit doors, stricter passenger and baggage screening, sky marshals on selected routes, crew training for incident management, and air traffic control protocols to limit risk. Aviation authorities and airlines continually adapt procedures to evolving threats.

Consequences and prevention

Beyond immediate danger to passengers and crew, hijackings produce long-term effects: tightened travel restrictions, diplomatic tensions, economic loss for carriers, and legal reforms. Prevention depends on layered security—intelligence sharing, screening, secure aircraft access, and public awareness. While occurrences have declined in some regions due to these measures, the possibility of novel tactics keeps counter-hijacking policies a persistent priority for civil aviation authorities.