Fighter jets scrambled after Israel-bound flight reports hijacking

Fighter jets were scrambled after a report that a flight to Israel issued a hijacking alert, even though the warning was later withdrawn, prompting the aircraft to turn back while authorities investigated. The incident involved an Electra Airways plane operating for LOT Polish Airlines, flying from Warsaw to Israel, that altered course midair after circling near Cyprus. According to reports, the pilot pressed a cockpit button that signals a hijacking. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, reportedly sent the alert while over Turkish airspace, then continued over Cyprus, circled, and turned back after not being granted permission to land. Senior aviation officials called the event highly unusual and dangerous and said an investigation was opened. Officials indicated they were examining whether the pilot may have activated the distress function by accident before the alert was withdrawn. Israel’s IDF said two Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled after a loss of contact report, but the IDF later stated contact was restored and there was no security incident.