Post by IAMCAPER on Jun 3, 2005 11:58:48 GMT -4
WASHINGTON - Canadian fighter jets intercepted a Virgin Atlantic jet over the Atlantic on Friday after the aircraft emitted a signal indicating a hijacking was in progress. The pilots later said there was no hijacking, and Virgin Atlantic described the incident as a false alarm.
Homeland Security Department spokeswoman Katie Montgomery said that Virgin Atlantic Flight 45 was en route from London’s Heathrow Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, when the aircraft began emitting code 7500, which indicates a hijacking is in progress.
“Communications have been made with the pilots,” Montgomery said. “The pilots are indicating there is no hijack.”
Homeland Security is checking other indicators to confirm the pilots’ information, she said.
As a precaution, the plane landed in Halifax, Canada, and Virgin gave an "all clear" signal. A press conference was expected shortly there.
The jet is carrying 271 passengers and 17 crew.
Homeland Security Department spokeswoman Katie Montgomery said that Virgin Atlantic Flight 45 was en route from London’s Heathrow Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, when the aircraft began emitting code 7500, which indicates a hijacking is in progress.
“Communications have been made with the pilots,” Montgomery said. “The pilots are indicating there is no hijack.”
Homeland Security is checking other indicators to confirm the pilots’ information, she said.
As a precaution, the plane landed in Halifax, Canada, and Virgin gave an "all clear" signal. A press conference was expected shortly there.
The jet is carrying 271 passengers and 17 crew.