Hijacking Crisis: Indian Airlines Airbus Refueled in Lahore, Heads to Kabul

An Indian Airlines Airbus hijacked mid-flight has been refueled in Lahore and cleared for take-off, despite attempts by Pakistani authorities to negotiate with the hijackers. The aircraft, carrying multiple foreign nationals, is heading for Kabul. Indian officials are prioritizing passenger safety and maintaining communication with Pakistan.

The Indian Airlines Airbus, which was hijacked during its flight, has been refueled in Lahore and cleared for possible take-off, according to Union Civil Aviation Secretary Ravindra Gupta. The Pakistani authorities are attempting to negotiate with the hijackers, but the aircraft is now heading towards Kabul.

Ravindra Gupta reported that the plane developed a technical snag due to a failed valve in its engine. The flight engineer, under the watch of a hijacker, exited the plane to rectify the issue. Gupta confirmed that the plane took off from Lahore at 10:37 pm IST. Indian missions in Gulf countries have been alerted.

The priority, as emphasized by various ministers including Home Minister L K Advani and Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha in a recent meeting, is the safety of the passengers. External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh has been in continuous touch with his Pakistani counterpart and the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Singh noted that the hijackers requested food and water, along with the refueling. The identities of 24 foreign nationals onboard have been established, including individuals from Nepal, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Belgium, France, the US, Italy, and Austria.

(With inputs from agencies.)