False hijack alert prompts scramble of jets by three nations

A false hijacking alert triggered by a technical malfunction aboard a Tel Aviv-bound passenger jet on Tuesday prompted military responses from three nations before officials confirmed there was no security threat. The Airbus A320, operated by Bulgaria-based Electra Airways on behalf of Poland's LOT Polish Airlines, was carrying 180 passengers from Warsaw to Tel Aviv when it transmitted the internationally recognized emergency transponder code for hijacking.

The aircraft broadcast code 7500, signaling unlawful interference, while in Bulgarian airspace. In response, Bulgaria scrambled a MiG-29 fighter jet to intercept and escort the plane. After the aircraft entered Turkish airspace, Turkish authorities dispatched two F-16 fighter jets to accompany it, implementing precautionary measures required under international aviation procedures. The flight crew informed air traffic controllers there was no abnormal situation on board.

Israeli forces also scrambled two fighter jets over the eastern Mediterranean Sea following a report of lost communication with the aircraft. Contact was soon reestablished, and the Israeli military later stated the incident had concluded with no security concern.