Russia plane makes emergency landing after passenger tries to storm cockpit in ‘attempted hijacking’
Man tries to break into cockpit during flight and demands aircraft change course
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Russian passenger plane bound for Moscow was forced to land shortly after take-off following an attempted hijacking, officials said.
The Aeroflot flight from Surgut in western Siberia diverted after an unnamed man on the flight ordered it to land in Afghanistan.
Russian investigators said the passenger tried to break into the cockpit during the flight and demanded the plane change course.
The 737 jet landed in Khanty-Mansiysk – 150 miles to the west of the departure city, but still in Russia – a short time later.
The suspect, who police said was drunk, was detained at the airport.
No one was injured but police cordoned off the area and ambulances were on standby.
A statement provided by the airline confirmed the diversion was the result of an attempted hijacking.
It said Aeroflot’s “security service and technical services are in a state of heightened vigilance” as a result of the incident and passengers on other flights should expect extra checks and some delays during boarding.
"Aeroflot has dispatched a reserve aircraft to Khanty-Mansiysk so that the passengers can continue their journey to Moscow," the airline added.
"In response to the growing threat of international terrorism in recent years all Aeroflot employees undergo thorough training on responding to such incidents in order to ensure the safety of passengers."
Andrei Przhezdomsky, spokesman for Russia’s National Anti-terrorist Committee, said: “According to reports, a plane flying from Surgut to Moscow changed its course at the demand of one of the passengers.
“The pilot made the only right decision to land at the nearest airport, in Khanty-Mansyisk.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments