Pilot accidentally sets off hijack alarm, triggers Amsterdam airport chaos | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pilot accidentally sets off hijack alarm, triggers Amsterdam airport chaos

The Hague | ByAgence France-Presse
Nov 07, 2019 06:18 AM IST

A hijacking alert is not made by activating a single button but is triggered by a four-digit code transmitted to the control tower, aeronautics expert Joris Melkert told local media.

A pilot accidentally set off a hijack alarm on a plane at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on Wednesday, triggering a huge security operation by Dutch police.

A pilot accidentally set off a hijack alarm on a plane at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on Wednesday, triggering a huge security operation by Dutch police.(REUTERS)
A pilot accidentally set off a hijack alarm on a plane at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on Wednesday, triggering a huge security operation by Dutch police.(REUTERS)

Spanish airline Air Europa “deeply” apologised for the incident on board its flight from the Dutch capital to Madrid, which saw emergency vehicles swarm around the plane.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“False alarm. In the flight Amsterdam-Madrid this afternoon was activated, by mistake, a warning that triggers protocols on hijackings at the airport,” the airline tweeted.

“Nothing has happened, all passengers are safe and sound waiting to fly soon. We deeply apologise.”

Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest airports, handling more than 70 million passengers a year, according to its website.

Pictures from the scene showed police vehicles and ambulances clustered around the aircraft while parts of the airport were cordoned off.

Flight schedules remained disrupted late into Wednesday.

The Dutch Royal Military Police had earlier said they were investigating a “suspect situation”, but announced an hour later that the passengers and crew were “safely off the plane.”

The plane was carrying 27 passengers, Dutch media said.

An investigation was underway to determine how the alarm could have been accidentally triggered.

A hijacking alert is not made by activating a single button but is triggered by a four-digit code transmitted to the control tower, aeronautics expert Joris Melkert told local media.

Justice and Security Minister Ferd Grapperhaus tweeted that he was “impressed” by the response of the authorities.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On