Aircraft hijacking facts for kids

Aircraft hijacking, also known as skyjacking or aircraft piracy, is when a person or group illegally takes control of an airplane. Usually, the hijackers are armed. They often force the pilot to fly the plane to a different place. In some rare cases, the hijackers might try to fly the plane themselves, as was believed to happen during the events of September 11, 2001. There was even one time when the official pilot of an Air China flight hijacked his own plane and flew it to Taiwan.

Understanding Aircraft Hijacking

What is Skyjacking?

Aircraft hijacking is a serious act. It involves someone taking over an airplane without permission. This can happen while the plane is flying. It can also happen when it is on the ground. The people who do this are called hijackers. They often use threats or force.

Why Do Hijackings Happen?

People hijack planes for different reasons. Sometimes, they want to make a political statement. They might want to draw attention to a cause. Other times, they might want to escape to another country. Some hijackings are done for money. They might demand a ransom. These acts are always illegal and dangerous.

How Aviation Security Changed

Aircraft hijackings have led to big changes in airport security. After some major incidents, security became much stricter. Now, airports have many rules to keep everyone safe.

Before You Fly

When you go to an airport, you will see many security measures. Passengers and their bags are carefully checked. This is to make sure no dangerous items get on the plane. You might have to take off your shoes. Your bags will go through X-ray machines. This helps find hidden objects.

During Your Flight

On the plane, flight crews are trained for emergencies. Pilots and flight attendants know what to do. They work to keep passengers safe. Many planes now have reinforced cockpit doors. This makes it harder for unauthorized people to enter. Air marshals, who are trained security officers, sometimes fly on planes. They are there to respond to threats.

New Technologies and Training

Security experts are always looking for new ways to protect flights. They use advanced scanning technology. They also train airport staff and flight crews. This training helps them spot unusual behavior. It also teaches them how to respond quickly to any danger. The goal is to prevent hijackings from happening. It also helps to resolve them safely if they do.

Related pages

• Airport security
• List of aircraft hijackings
• D. B. Cooper
• September 11 attacks
• Terrorism

Images for kids

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  Warning posters in a Central African airport, 2012

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  Hijacking assault simulation by South African special forces

See also

In Spanish: Piratería aérea para niños