Vliegtuigkaping

Vliegtuigkaping, also known as aircraft hijacking, is the act of taking control of an aircraft by force, typically by passengers or crew members. This action is usually motivated by political, religious, or personal reasons, and can have significant consequences for both the passengers and the public. The term "kaping" is derived from the Dutch word for "hijacking," reflecting the historical context of many such incidents.

The first recorded instance of vliegtuigkaping occurred in 1968 when a Palestinian group hijacked an Air France flight from Tel Aviv to Paris. Since then, numerous high-profile incidents have taken place, often involving commercial airliners. Notable examples include the 1970 hijacking of a TWA Flight 847 by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which resulted in the deaths of 11 passengers and crew members, and the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by the Abu Nidal Organization, which led to the deaths of 17 passengers and crew members.

Vliegtuigkaping poses significant security challenges for aviation authorities and airlines. In response, various measures have been implemented to enhance aircraft security, including stricter screening procedures, improved communication systems, and the deployment of armed security personnel on board flights. Despite these efforts, the threat of vliegtuigkaping remains a concern for the global aviation industry.