2007 Sudan Airways hijacking

Infobox Airliner accident
name=2007 Sudan Airways hijacking
Date=March 30, 2007
Type=Hijacking
Site=Khartoum, Sudan
Flight Number=111
Fatalities=0
Injuries=0
Aircraft Type= Airbus A300
Operator=Sudan Airways
Tail Number=
Passengers=273
Crew=11
Survivors = 284 (all)|

The 2007 Sudan Airways hijacking was the hijacking of a Sudan Airways airliner with 284 people on board on March 30, 2007.

Background

The aircraft, an Airbus A300-600, was carrying 273 passengers and 11 crew on a scheduled flight (Flight 111) from Tripoli, Libya to Khartoum, Sudan. [http://www.sudan.net/news/posted/14357.html Sudanese arrested after attempted plane hijack] - "Sudan.net" - Obtained May 12, 2007.]

Hijack

The hijacker, Sayed Fallun Sayed, 39, entered the cockpit approximately 1.5 hours prior to scheduled landing time, armed with a knife. He proceeded to request that the flight be diverted to South Africa, but instead allowed the plane to proceed as scheduled to Khartoum International Airport in order to refuel. He also expressed a desire to speak to journalists and the British ambassador. [http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0330/breaking13.htm Man held after Sudan plane hijacking] - "The Irish Times" - Obtained May 12, 2007.]

Upon landing

After the aircraft landed at Khartoum, different sources disagree on what happened next. "Sudan.net" claims that the man Sayed was negotiated with for three hours prior to giving himself up, while "The Irish Times" claims he was in fact arrested by snipers dressed as journalists. Both sources agree he was ultimately arrested.

Motive

Although there is no obvious motive for the hijacking, it is thought to have been connected to Sayed's recent deportation from Libya. A police statement at the time stated that it was also believed he was suffering psychological problems.

ee also

*Air West Flight 612
*Turkish Airlines Flight 1476

References