IC 814: What Exactly Happened During The Kandahar Hijack That Inspired Netflix Series?

Netflix India has given fans a sneak peek into its upcoming thriller, "IC814: The Kandahar Hijack." The series tells the gripping story of the infamous hijacking of an Indian Airlines Airbus in the last days of 1999. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the show features a stellar cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Verma, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, and Patralekha.

Screenshot From Netflix Announcement Video/Netflix-India

But what exactly happened in the real-life incident that shook the world so deeply? Here is the incident in detail and the intense negotiations that followed.

What Exactly Happened During The Longest Hijack Of Aviation History?

In a chilling recount of a traumatic incident from the past, here is the inside story of the IC-814 hijacking that unfolded in December 1999, revealing the harrowing events that transpired during the Kandahar ordeal.

Picture From Kandahar Aiport/Twitter

On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC-814, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, became the stage for a shocking hijacking that would grip the world's attention. The flight, carrying 178 passengers and 11 crew members, was commandeered by five terrorists affiliated with the extremist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen.

Shortly after takeoff, the hijackers took control of the plane, brandishing knives and threatening the lives of passengers and crew members.

The aircraft was diverted to various locations, including Amritsar and Lahore, before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then under Taliban rule.

The hijackers demanded the release of three jailed terrorists in Indian custody ¨C including Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The Indian government, faced with a perilous situation and the lives of the hostages hanging in the balance, succumbed to the demands, releasing the militants in exchange for the passengers on board IC-814.

The hostages spent a week in Kandahar, facing an uncertain fate and living in appalling conditions. Reports emerged of the passengers enduring psychological and physical trauma during their time in captivity.

The hijackers' shifting demands and the delicate diplomatic dance added to the complexity of the situation.

The IC-814 hijacking highlighted significant loopholes in aviation security and led to a reevaluation of international anti-hijacking measures. Governments worldwide have intensified efforts to enhance airport security protocols, intelligence sharing, and coordination to prevent such incidents in the future.

With a focus on recreating the tension and drama surrounding the hijacking, "IC814: The Kandahar Hijack" aims to offer viewers an immersive experience of the real-life event. Stay tuned for an enthralling series that not only captures the essence of the past but also showcases the incredible talent of its ensemble cast.

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