A pilot on a flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv mistakenly pressed a button and declared a hijacking, then immediately corrected himself, according to journalist Dean Fisher. Israeli authorities activated safety protocols, scrambled Air Force jets, and declined to let the aircraft land in Israel. The plane was denied landing in Cyprus due to congestion and is now making its way to Sofia, Bulgaria, where it plans to land.
A Bulgarian Air Electra passenger flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv triggered an Israeli security alert on Tuesday afternoon when the pilot mistakenly pressed the hijack button in the cockpit, journalist Dean Fisher reported. The pilot immediately radioed that the alarm was an error and the flight was proceeding normally.
Nevertheless, Israeli authorities activated safety protocols and scrambled Israeli Air Force fighter jets toward the aircraft. The plane was denied permission to land in Israel and diverted toward Cyprus, but was also refused landing there due to airport congestion. The aircraft is now proceeding to Sofia, Bulgaria, where it plans to land.
The incident remains a live security event as the aircraft is still airborne. The Zioneer reported earlier today (16:32) on the initial scramble and the pending diversion to Sofia.
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