Hijack scare: NATO jets respond to false alarm on Tel Aviv flight

Bulgarian Air Force fighter jets were scrambled on Friday after a passenger aircraft operated by Bulgarian charter carrier Electra Airways transmitted a hijacking code while flying from Warsaw to Tel Aviv, prompting a coordinated NATO air policing response.

According to Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence, the Airbus A320 entered Bulgarian airspace from the north shortly before 14:00 local time after transmitting transponder code 7500, the internationally recognised signal for unlawful interference or hijacking.

NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre notified Bulgarian military officials about the potential security incident, leading to the activation of Bulgaria’s quick reaction alert forces.

At 13:54 local time, a MiG-29 fighter aircraft took off from Bulgaria’s Third Air Base. Three minutes later, at 13:57, the passenger aircraft entered Bulgarian airspace from the north near the Danube border.

A Bulgarian MiG-29 on quick reaction alert was launched from Graf Ignatievo Air Base and intercepted the aircraft minutes later. The fighter pilot carried out identification, communication and escort procedures while accompanying the aircraft across Bulgarian airspace.

The Bulgarian fighter successfully intercepted the aircraft and carried out standard NATO air policing procedures, including identification, communication and escort operations.

“The fighter aircraft successfully carried out its Air Policing mission by immediately locating and intercepting the aircraft. The Bulgarian pilot performed identification, interrogation and escort procedures while accompanying the aircraft through Bulgarian airspace,” the Ministry of Defence said.

Turkish F-16 fighter jets were also scrambled to take over the escort after the aircraft crossed into Turkish airspace.

The incident triggered a wider security response. Israeli defence authorities reported that two fighter jets had been dispatched after contact with the aircraft was temporarily lost over the eastern Mediterranean. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft subsequently turning back and heading towards Bulgaria.

The Ministry of Transport subsequently stated that the alert had been caused by a technical malfunction in the aircraft’s transponder system, which had erroneously transmitted the hijacking code.

Later in the day, Bulgarian authorities confirmed that the aircraft had landed safely at Burgas Airport on the Black Sea coast.

“No passengers or crew members were injured and the incident did not affect the normal operation of the airport,” the Bulgarian ministry said.

According to Bulgarian military authorities, the aircraft initially continued towards Turkey after being escorted through Bulgarian airspace. However, after reportedly being denied permission to land in Cyprus, Israel and Turkey, the crew requested authorisation to return to Bulgaria and land at a civilian airport.

It remains unclear why the plane was denied permission to land in nearby airports and had to make a much longer journey to Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Air Force fighters were then scrambled for a second time to intercept and escort the aircraft to its destination airport before returning to Graf Ignatievo Air Base.

Israeli military officials later confirmed that communications with the aircraft had been restored and that there were no indications of a security-related incident.

As speculation grew, Israeli military officials sought to reassure the public, stating that communications with the aircraft had been restored and that there were no indications of an actual security incident.

“Contact with the aircraft has been re-established and there are no concerns regarding a security-related incident,” Israeli authorities said.

The flight was operating as LOT Polish Airlines service LO155 from Warsaw to Tel Aviv but was being carried out by Bulgarian Electra Airways under a wet-lease arrangement.

Bulgarian authorities have not reported any security threat linked to the flight, and the incident is being treated as the result of a technical failure rather than unlawful interference.

Caption: Bodrum Kent Tv from X