Hijacking incidents have marked some of the most tense and dramatic moments in aviation history. Among them, the longest hijacking in history stands out not only for its duration but also for its complexity and the impact it had on international security protocols. This event captured global attention as it involved prolonged negotiations, multiple locations, and a host of political and humanitarian challenges. Exploring the details of this unprecedented hijacking reveals how hijackers, governments, and innocent passengers navigated a harrowing ordeal that lasted for several days.
Overview of the Longest Hijacking
The longest hijacking in history occurred during the 1976 hijacking of Air France Flight 139, often referred to as the Entebbe hijacking or Operation Entebbe. On June 27, 1976, the airplane was hijacked shortly after taking off from Athens, Greece, en route to Paris, France. The hijackers, part of a militant group, commandeered the plane and forced it to divert to multiple locations, culminating in the notorious hostage crisis at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.
The Hijackers and Their Motives
The hijacking was carried out by two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – External Operations (PFLP-EO) and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells. Their main demand was the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and other countries. The hijackers sought to leverage the hostages to achieve political goals related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Timeline of the Hijacking
The hijacking unfolded over several days, involving multiple flights and locations, making it the longest and one of the most complex hijackings recorded.
Initial Hijacking and Diversion
After being hijacked over Greece, the aircraft was first diverted to Benghazi, Libya, for refueling. From there, the hijackers ordered the plane to fly to Entebbe, Uganda, where they received support from the Ugandan government under dictator Idi Amin. The hostages were taken off the plane and held at the old terminal of Entebbe Airport.
Conditions and Hostage Treatment
The hostages were held in cramped and tense conditions for about a week. The hijackers separated Israeli and Jewish passengers from others, detaining the former in harsh conditions and using them as bargaining chips. The prolonged nature of the hijacking and the uncertainty about the hostages’ fate created international concern and intense media coverage.
International Response
The hijacking triggered a massive international diplomatic and military response. Countries grappled with how to resolve the crisis without escalating violence or jeopardizing the hostages’ lives.
Diplomatic Negotiations
Many countries, including France, Israel, and Uganda, were involved in negotiations with the hijackers. However, the situation was complicated by the Ugandan regime’s support for the hijackers and the volatile political environment in East Africa at the time.
Israel’s Rescue Mission
Faced with stalled negotiations and fearing for their citizens’ safety, Israel planned a daring rescue operation, later known as Operation Entebbe or Operation Thunderbolt. On July 3, 1976, Israeli commandos flew over 2,500 miles to Entebbe in a surprise nighttime raid. The mission successfully freed 102 hostages, killing all hijackers and several Ugandan soldiers in the process. Tragically, one Israeli commando and three hostages lost their lives during the rescue.
Significance of the Event
The longest hijacking in history became a defining moment in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations. It demonstrated the lengths to which militant groups would go to advance political causes and the challenges governments face in protecting their citizens abroad.
Impact on Aviation Security
Following the Entebbe hijacking, countries worldwide intensified airport and aircraft security measures. Screening processes, cockpit security, and international cooperation against terrorism were enhanced to prevent similar prolonged hijackings.
Legacy in Popular Culture and Military Strategy
Operation Entebbe has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. It remains studied in military academies for its planning, execution, and strategic brilliance in hostage rescue under extreme conditions.
Other Notable Long Hijackings
While the Entebbe hijacking is the longest in terms of the entire ordeal duration, other hijackings have also lasted for significant periods or involved complex negotiations. Some involved flights diverted to multiple countries or prolonged standoffs that tested international diplomacy and security forces.
- Air India Flight 182: Though primarily a bombing rather than hijacking, this 1985 incident highlights the vulnerability of aviation to politically motivated attacks.
- TWA Flight 847 (1985): Hijacked for several days by Lebanese militants, this event involved hostage-taking and complex negotiations with multiple governments.
- Pakistan International Airlines Flight 544 (1999): Hijacked and held for several hours before a successful rescue operation.
The longest hijacking in history, epitomized by the 1976 Entebbe crisis, remains a landmark case in the study of terrorism, aviation security, and international crisis management. It highlighted the human costs of political violence and the necessity of preparedness, rapid response, and international cooperation. Lessons from this harrowing event continue to influence how countries approach hijacking threats, ensuring that the safety of passengers remains a paramount concern worldwide.