An innocent mistake by a pilot on a LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv on Tuesday triggered a major security alert, leading to the scramble of fighter jets from Israel, Turkey, and Bulgaria. The aircraft, an Airbus operated by Bulgarian carrier Electra Airways on behalf of LOT, had inadvertently transmitted a hijacking code, prompting a multi-country response. The plane ultimately landed safely in Burgas, Bulgaria, with all 180 passengers and crew unharmed.
The incident began when the aircraft, operating as flight LO155, entered Turkish airspace and the pilot accidentally set the transponder to a code indicating a hijacking or emergency. Israeli air force immediately scrambled two fighter jets after losing communication with the plane. According to Krzysztof Moczulski, spokesman for PLL LOT, the transponder code was mistakenly set to indicate a threat. – The control tower asked if the pilot confirmed the threat declaration. He replied that he did not, as it was declared by mistake – explained Moczulski.
Pilot accidentally activates hijack alert
The false alarm spread quickly. Turkish air force also deployed two F-16 fighters to intercept the Airbus as it passed through its airspace. Meanwhile, NATO’s Air Policing mission over Bulgaria scrambled a Bulgarian MiG-29 after the aircraft re-entered Bulgarian airspace. The Bulgarian fighter intercepted the plane just after it crossed the northern border over the Danube River. – It was rather a human error, but it will be checked – added Moczulski, describing the event as extremely rare.
Israeli authorities initially ordered the aircraft not to land at Ben Gurion Airport and directed it toward Cyprus. However, the plane was then re-routed to Burgas Airport in Bulgaria, home base of Electra Airways. Upon landing, emergency services declared a crisis alert, and the aircraft was isolated from critical infrastructure. – That Israeli fighters were scrambled does not mean they reached the aircraft – noted the spokesman, indicating the interceptors were launched but did not physically intercept the plane.
International response and safe landing
The incident also triggered a response from Israel’s air force, which activated standard security procedures. The Times of Israel reported that several Israeli fighter jets were dispatched to escort the commercial flight. However, contact with the plane was quickly restored. According to the Bulgarian National Television, the aircraft activated the alarm signal twice: once before entering Bulgarian airspace and again after leaving Turkish airspace. The plane flew over Bulgaria, Turkey, turned near Cyprus, and landed back in Bulgaria with fighter escort on its return leg.
Ynet, an Israeli news portal, quoted senior aviation officials calling the incident highly unusual and dangerous, with an immediate investigation promised. The LOT spokesman confirmed that the event would be reported to relevant authorities according to standard procedures. The aircraft, an Airbus operated by Electra Airways, was performing a charter flight for LOT Polish Airlines. All passengers and crew were safe, and no injuries were reported.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
