Air India flight AI2030 diverted to Jaipur after pilot squawks hijack code
The Boeing 787‑9 landed safely, passengers were screened and the aircraft was cleared to continue to Delhi after authorities ruled out a real threat.
By Felo News Desk · Published
An Air India Boeing 787‑9 operating flight AI2030 from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur International Airport on Wednesday after the pilot briefly transmitted the international hijack transponder code 7500, according to two news outlets.
What happened
The aircraft touched down in Jaipur at about 09:45 am local time. Security teams escorted the plane to an isolation bay and began a thorough search of the aircraft and baggage. Passengers and crew were evacuated to a holding area while both pilots were de‑boarded under security supervision. The National Security Guard (NSG) was placed on standby in New Delhi, and the Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) and airport police cordoned off the area.
What the reports add
Khaleej Times reported that the Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control received an emergency distress signal before the aircraft entered Indian airspace, prompting the pilot to squawk code 7500 for a few seconds. The Independent added that the aircraft was subsequently cleared to resume its journey to Delhi after officials concluded there was no actual threat. The Independent also noted a similar incident the day before involving a Corendon Airlines flight in Germany, where a cockpit radio malfunction caused an accidental hijack signal.
What was said
Khaleej Times quoted an unnamed aviation security official as saying the standard operating procedures for unlawful interference were followed and that all passengers and baggage were undergoing comprehensive physical screening. The Independent reported that Indian authorities stated the alert was a false alarm and that an investigation into the cause of the squawk was underway.
How it came about
Security protocols for suspected hijack situations were activated after the pilot’s transponder input. This incident follows a series of recent aviation security alerts in the region, including Air India’s suspension of flights to Riyadh until 15 October, as reported in Felo’s earlier coverage of flight cancellations (see article). The swift response reflects heightened vigilance after earlier cockpit incidents, such as the Flydubai flight diversion on 30 September, also covered by Felo.
Key facts
- Air India flight AI2030 from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur after the pilot squawked code 7500. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The Boeing 787‑9 landed at 09:45 am local time and was moved to an isolation bay. (independent.co.uk)
- All passengers and crew were evacuated safely and screened by security personnel. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The National Security Guard was placed on standby in New Delhi. (independent.co.uk)
- Authorities later cleared the aircraft to continue to Delhi, stating no real threat existed. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-13 — Air India suspended flights to Riyadh until 15 October amid security concerns.
- 2026-09-30 — Flydubai flight diverted to Tabuk after cockpit altercation.
- 2026-10-14 — Air India flight AI2030 diverted to Jaipur after hijack code squawk.
