Full Breakdown
False Hijacking Alert Triggers Fighter Jet Scramble and Diversion of LOT Polish Airlines Flight
7/1/2026, 12:07:43 AM
Incident Overview
On 30 June 2026, LOT Polish Airlines flight 155, an Airbus A320 operated by Electra Airways, departed Warsaw for Tel Aviv. While over Turkish airspace the aircraft transmitted transponder code 7500, indicating an unlawful interference or hijacking. Israeli Air Force scrambled two fighter jets after a loss-of-communication report, and Bulgaria dispatched a MiG-29. The alert was cancelled during communication with air-traffic control; the plane circled near Cyprus, then turned back and landed at Burgas Airport at 17:13, where passengers were screened.
Timeline
- 11:35 local – Flight departs Warsaw.
- ~13:00 – Code 7500 transmitted; IAF scrambles jets.
- ~14:30 – Contact restored; alert withdrawn.
- 17:13 – Aircraft lands in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Cause and Investigation
Bulgarian defence officials described the event as a “technical failure of the aircraft’s transponder,” while other sources suggest the pilot may have inadvertently pressed the hijack button. Polish, Israeli and Bulgarian aviation authorities have opened a joint investigation to determine whether hardware malfunction, human error, or a combination caused the false signal. Senior aviation officials label the incident “highly unusual and dangerous.”
Official Statements & Responses
The Israel Defense Forces said there was no fear of a security incident and that the fighter jets were a precaution. LOT Polish Airlines told passengers the emergency code was unintentional and that the diversion followed standard safety procedures, emphasizing that such situations are extremely rare. Bulgaria’s ministry confirmed the 7500 transmission and the MiG-29 escort. Warsaw Chopin Airport spokesperson Piotr Rudzki noted the airport has no reason to take action and is monitoring the case.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources diverge on the immediate cause: a technical transponder failure versus accidental pilot activation. No definitive conclusion has been released, and investigators have not ruled out external interference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is no fear of a security incident,” — IDF spokesperson
- “The diversion of your flight to Burgas was caused by the unintentional activation of an onboard security alert,” — LOT Polish Airlines spokesperson
- “Situations of this nature are extremely rare and are not part of normal flight operations. Nevertheless, the safety and security of our passengers and crew must always remain our highest priority.” — LOT Polish Airlines spokesperson
- “two Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward a civilian aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea following a report of lost communication with the aircraft” — IDF statement
- “Bulgaria’s defence ministry said in a statement the aircraft had broadcast transponder code 7500, an emergency messaging signalling unlawful interference or a hijacking.” — Bulgarian Ministry of Defence
- “We have no reason to take action in this situation.” — Piotr Rudzki, Warsaw Chopin Airport spokesperson
Impact and Next Steps
The episode highlights the critical role of transponder alerts in air-security protocols and the rapid military response they can trigger. Ongoing investigations aim to refine crew training on emergency transponder use and to assess avionics safeguards to prevent future false alerts.
