Pilot Error Triggers Hijacking Alert, Fighter Jets Scramble and Flight Diverted to Cyprus

An unusual incident occurred on Tuesday involving a Bulgarian Electra Airlines flight traveling from Warsaw to Ben Gurion Airport with approximately 180 passengers. The pilot accidentally pressed a button in the cockpit that triggered a hijacking alert, prompting an immediate security response. Fighter jets were scrambled to escort the aircraft, and the plane was diverted from its original route to Cyprus as a precautionary safety measure.

Shortly after the alert was activated, the pilot informed air traffic control that the hijacking warning was a human error and confirmed that all was well on board. Security authorities quickly communicated that there was no real security threat, but strict safety protocols remained in place throughout the event. Despite the pilot’s clarification, the flight continued to Cyprus as planned.

Upon arrival at the Cypriot airport, the flight faced additional difficulties due to congestion and was denied landing permission. Consequently, the aircraft is now en route to Sofia, Bulgaria, where it is expected to land. This incident comes at a sensitive time as Israeli aviation is gradually recovering from disruptions caused by recent conflict. Ben Gurion Airport recently recorded its highest passenger traffic since the start of Operation "Roaring Lion," with over 75,000 travelers in a single day.

The Israeli security system emphasized that the response followed the strictest protocols, noting that any hijacking alert triggers full security measures until the situation is fully clarified. Passengers on the flight were unharmed but experienced significant delays due to the incident.