After 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' release, here's a look back at the world's most notorious airplane hijackings

The recent release of the Netflix limited series 'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack' has reignited public interest in one of India's most traumatic encounters with terrorism: the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. On December 24, 1999, the Airbus A300, carrying 190 people including 11 crew members, was hijacked by five Pakistani terrorists shortly after entering Indian airspace during its journey from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Delhi. The week-long ordeal culminated on December 31 when, after intense negotiations, the Indian government conceded to the hijackers' demands, securing the release of the hostages¡ªwith the tragic exception of one fatality.

As Netflix's gripping series 'IC-814' brings to life the harrowing hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, it serves as a chilling reminder of some of the most dramatic and terrifying hijackings in aviation history.

Here are some of the most infamous flight hijackings that shocked the globe:

9/11 (2001)

Credit: Britannica | 9/11 attacks

Perhaps the deadliest flight hijacking was the 9/11 where 19 terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners on September 11 2001, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon, and the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania.

Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the attack, marking a watershed moment not just for the United States, but for the entire world.

The repercussions of this tragic event continue to resonate today, leaving a lasting emotional impact on Americans and shaping global policies for years to come.

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 (1996)

The Dead Man¡¯s Gambit: The crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 961 - Article by Admiral_Cloudberg

On November 23, 1996, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 was hijacked by three Ethiopian men seeking asylum in Australia.

They stormed the cockpit of the Boeing 767 and forced Captain Leul Abate to fly towards Australia, despite the aircraft lacking sufficient fuel for the journey.

With fuel running low, Captain Abate aimed for the Comoros Islands off the coast of southeast Africa, hoping to make an emergency landing. However, the hijackers, intent on a suicidal mission, prevented him from reaching the airport.

Forced to ditch the plane in the Indian Ocean near Grand Comore, the aircraft crashed into the water, cartwheeling and breaking apart in a dramatic scene captured by tourists on the beach.

Despite the efforts of locals and tourists who rushed to rescue survivors, the crash resulted in 125 fatalities out of the 175 passengers and crew on board, leaving only 50 survivors.

Air France flight 139 (1976)

On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139 from Tel Aviv to Paris was hijacked by four terrorists¡ªtwo from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and two from the Red Army Faction¡ªduring a stopover in Athens.

They forced the plane to refuel in Libya before landing in Entebbe, Uganda, where they were welcomed by dictator Idi Amin.

At Entebbe, the hijackers separated Jewish and Israeli passengers, holding them hostage while releasing others.

They demanded $5 million and the release of militants from various prisons, threatening to kill hostages if their demands were not met.

On July 4, Israeli forces executed "Operation Entebbe," a bold rescue mission that freed most of the hostages, though three were killed in the crossfire.

TWA Flight 847 (1985)

One of the most protracted hijackings in history, Trans World Airlines Flight 847 was held captive for 17 days.

The flight, en route from Cairo to San Diego with stops in various cities, was seized by Hezbollah operatives shortly after departing Athens.

The hijackers' primary demand was the release of hundreds of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The prolonged crisis saw passengers held hostage, with U.S. Navy diver Robert Stethem tragically killed.

EgyptAir Flight 648 (1985)

Before the 9/11 attacks, the hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648 was the most notorious aviation incident due to its high death toll and the complex nature of the situation.

On November 23, 1985, the plane was taken over by the Abu Nidal Organization shortly after departing from Athens and was redirected to Malta.

The hijackers demanded the release of 55 Palestinian militants imprisoned in Israel.

During the ordeal, an Egyptian security guard on board shot one of the terrorists before being killed himself.

A failed rescue operation by Egyptian commandos led to a violent confrontation and explosion, resulting in the deaths of 60 out of the 95 passengers.

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