False Hijacking Alert Triggers Major Security Operation in Germany

Berlin (ANTARA) - A false hijacking alert prompted a large-scale security operation at Nuremberg Airport in Germany on Tuesday (13 October), local time.

A fighter jet was even scrambled to escort passengers travelling on a flight from Greece to Germany, before authorities said there was no significant threat, German news agency dpa reported.

A Corendon Airlines flight from the Greek island of Corfu to Nuremberg transmitted the emergency code “7500”, indicating a possible hijacking, while flying over south-eastern Europe, dpa reported, citing police.

A German Eurofighter was dispatched to escort the Boeing 737-800 to its destination. The airport was temporarily closed, and police, including special forces, and emergency services were deployed, local police said.

Police later declared the situation safe, confirming that all passengers and crew were unharmed and that no hijacking had taken place.

Investigators suspect a faulty radio system caused the alert, as air traffic controllers were unable to contact the pilots after the emergency code was transmitted. The exact cause remains under investigation.

Earlier on Tuesday (13 October), flight operations at Nuremberg Airport were also disrupted by a suspected drone sighting, forcing two aircraft preparing to land to divert. Police said there was no clear link between the two incidents.