Hijackers

A hijacker is a person who unlawfully seizes control of a vehicle, most commonly an aircraft, by force or threat with the aim of using the vehicle to achieve political, financial, or asylum-related demands. Hijacking can also occur on ships, trains, buses, and other conveyances, though the term is most closely associated with aviation. The act is illegal in all jurisdictions and typically treated as a serious crime.

Historically, hijackings gained notoriety in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1960s and 1970s as a tactic for political statements or asylum. In the modern era, heightened security measures, international cooperation, and law enforcement responses have reduced opportunities for successful hijackings and changed the way they are conducted and resolved. The events surrounding several major incidents spurred changes in aviation security and policy.

Legal framework and enforcement: International conventions, such as the Hague Convention of 1970 on unlawful seizure of aircraft, and the Tokyo Convention of 1963, criminalize hijacking and provide for penalties, extradition, and cooperation among states. Most countries classify hijacking as a serious felony, with penalties ranging from long prison terms to life imprisonment.

Motives, methods, and outcomes: Motives typically include political concessions, asylum, ransom, or retaliation. While some incidents end with negotiated outcomes, others result in harm to passengers and crew, fatalities, or the temporary loss of flight control. Hijackings have led to widespread reforms in security procedures, aircraft design, and in-flight protections, including reinforced cockpit doors and expanded onboard security measures.

Notable cases: The case of D. B. Cooper (1971) remains unsolved after a hijacking and successful escape by parachute. The 9/11 hijackings in 2001 prompted comprehensive security overhauls and lasting changes in global aviation security. Earlier decades saw numerous high-profile incidents that influenced policy and practice.