An Air India flight travelling from Frankfurt, Germany, to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday, October 14, after the pilot reportedly activated an emergency transponder code associated with a hijacking. The aircraft landed safely at Jaipur International Airport at 9:35 am, and authorities initiated security checks.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, according to sources cited in the report. Initial checks indicated that the aircraft's operations were normal, although authorities are examining the circumstances that triggered the alert.
Squawk 7500 Code Triggers Security Response
According to preliminary information, Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) received an emergency signal from the aircraft for a few seconds at around 9 am. The pilot reportedly activated Squawk 7500, an internationally recognised transponder code used to discreetly indicate a hijacking or unlawful interference with an aircraft.
Following the signal, security agencies were alerted. Around 9:10 am, officials at Delhi airport's war room decided to divert the flight to Jaipur as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft was subsequently moved to an isolation bay at Jaipur airport for inspection. Authorities are investigating why the code was activated and whether the alert indicated an actual security threat or another issue.
The activation of Squawk 7500 does not, by itself, establish that a hijacking has occurred. The findings of the ongoing investigation will be important in determining the circumstances behind the diversion.
Passengers Safe as Airport Conducts Checks
Adani Airport management said all passengers aboard flight AI-2030 were safe and were being deboarded. The statement described the situation as normal and said passengers would subsequently be boarded for their destination.
The airport operator also urged passengers and their relatives not to panic, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation developed.
Visuals from Jaipur showed the aircraft parked in the airport's isolation bay. The plane was bearing Vistara's livery, following the airline's merger with Air India in November 2024.
DGCA Probe Underway
The diversion highlights the precautionary procedures followed when an aircraft transmits a potential hijack alert. Such signals require a coordinated response from air traffic controllers, airport authorities and security agencies.
For now, the aircraft has landed safely and initial operational checks were reported as normal. The DGCA's investigation is expected to establish the reason behind the alert and clarify the sequence of events.
For official aviation updates, visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
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