Kapring

Kapring is the act of hijacking a vehicle or vessel by force or threat, with the goal of seizing control for political, financial, or strategic ends. The term is used in Norwegian, Danish, and other Scandinavian languages to describe the unlawful seizure of aircraft, ships, or other transports.

Aircraft hijacking has been a concern since the early days of commercial flight; maritime hijacking remains a risk in some regions. Motives vary; often political demands, ransom, escape from pursuers, or strategic leverage.

Tactics often involve perpetrators gaining control through violence or intimidation, sometimes locking crew in compartments, and maintaining control until demands are met or authorities intervene. The use of weapons or threats is common, though exact methods vary by context and era.

Legal framework: International law condemns hijacking. The Tokyo Convention of 1963 established jurisdiction over crimes on board aircraft. The Hague Convention of 1970 criminalizes unlawful seizure of aircraft and outlines penalties and extradition. Maritime hijacking is addressed by conventions such as the 1988 Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Shipping (SUA) Convention and its protocols, with domestic laws also applying. These instruments coordinate international response and aid cooperation in investigations and prosecutions.

Prevention and response: Security measures have strengthened in aviation and maritime sectors, including reinforced cockpit doors, surveillance, screening, crew training, and improved international cooperation. In many cases, authorities prioritize passenger safety, using negotiation when feasible and law enforcement intervention when necessary.

Impact: Hijacking endangers lives, disrupts transportation networks, and drives security reforms and policy developments in aviation and maritime safety.