False Hijack Alert Triggers Fighter Jet Response

A False Alarm Sets Off a Chain Reaction
The Airbus A320, flown by Bulgaria's Electra Airways on behalf of LOT Polish Airlines, had 180 passengers on board when it unexpectedly transmitted a distress signal. The plane was carrying the code 7500, a universal marker pilots use to alert authorities of unlawful interference, such as a hijacking. Word of the signal quickly spread, and Bulgaria, Turkey, and Israel all responded by launching military aircraft.

The response unfolded in stages. As the flight crossed into Bulgarian airspace over the Danube, a Bulgarian MiG-29 was sent up as part of NATO's Air Policing mission covering the country. Not long after, Turkey dispatched two F-16 jets to escort the plane along its route. Meanwhile, over the Mediterranean, Israeli authorities also sent up two fighter jets after picking up the same alert. Interestingly, the alarm actually fired twice, once just before the aircraft entered Bulgarian airspace, and again after it exited Turkish airspace.

Airline Blames Human Error, Calls It Rare
LOT's spokesperson, Krzysztof Moczulski, explained that the whole episode traced back to a transponder that had simply been set incorrectly. When air traffic control reached out to confirm whether the emergency was genuine, the pilot clarified that it was a false alarm. Moczulski described the situation as "most likely human error," though he noted it would still undergo a formal review, calling it an "absolutely exceptional event."

The flight, LO155, changed course near Cyprus and touched down safely in Burgas, Bulgaria, which happens to be Electra Airways' home base. Once on the ground, the aircraft was steered clear of sensitive airport areas so emergency crews could carry out standard security checks. Fortunately, everyone aboard, all 180 passengers along with the crew, walked away unharmed.