Delhi-bound Air India flight issues ‘squeak’ hijack alert, diverted to Jaipur

Image used for representational purposes only. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

An Air India flight from Delhi to Frankfurt was diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday (Oct 14, 2026) after a hijack alert, squawk code 7500, was reportedly sent while the plane was flying over Mumbai’s flight information area, prompting a security response.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, official sources said.

The aircraft with 293 passengers and 13 crew members landed safely at Jaipur International Airport at 9:35 am and was moved to an isolation bay for security checks.

The alert was reportedly picked up by the Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) when the plane was flying through the Mumbai Flight Information Area. According to international aviation protocols, squawk code 7500 indicates unlawful interference, including a hijacking situation.

Was it intentional?

Airline sources disputed that the pilots intentionally entered the hijack code. However, ATC sources disputed that account, saying the investigation would examine relevant recordings and other available evidence to determine what triggered the alert.

An Air India spokesperson said in a statement: “Air India flight AI2030 operating on October 14 from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur due to security concerns.”

The airline said the relevant security agencies had carried out the necessary checks and cleared the aircraft and crew. All passengers were disembarked and underwent security checks before being flown to Delhi on the same flight with the same crew, the spokeswoman said.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 12:48 IST