IDF Reveals "World Trade Center" Protocol for Hijacked Civilian Aircraft

Ten days after the attempted hijacking and crash incident involving a Flydubai flight, it was revealed on Saturday that the IDF operation code for responding to the hijacking of a civilian aircraft is named "World Trade Center". Under this directive, fighter jets are dispatched to intercept hijackers or terrorists, preventing the escalation of the incident and protecting strategic assets, passengers, and crew.

Operational Protocol and Scenarios

If necessary, scrambling fighter jets allows the military to shoot down the aircraft or escort it securely to a designated landing site. The directive is triggered by a distress signal or a hijacking squawk code—such as 7500, which was activated during the Flydubai flight. The name "World Trade Center" evokes the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City.

The decision to shoot down a civilian aircraft is an extremely rare measure, authorized only after consultations with senior defense officials acting under the direct guidance of the political echelon.

Air Force Readiness

The Air Force maintains continuous readiness to counter various aerial threats and prevent unauthorized penetrations into Israeli airspace. Units operate around the clock to monitor airspace, identify anomalies, and scramble aircraft on short notice to manage emergency scenarios effectively.