Here’s How Hijacking Fear Led To LA Flight’s Emergency Landing

New Delhi: A routine flight to Los Angeles turned into an emergency diversion after a communication breakdown in the cabin sparked fears of a hijacking.

The aircraft — operating call-sign 6469 for SkyWest Airlines — departed from Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska on the evening of Monday, October 20, bound for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). ADVERTISEMENT

Shortly after take-off, the cockpit crew realised they had lost contact with the cabin crew via the aircraft’s inter-phone system. At the same time, cabin crew were heard banging on the cockpit door in an attempt to be heard.

Troubled by the lack of communication and the banging, the pilots interpreted the situation as a potential breach of the cockpit and declared an emergency. The flight performed a sharp U-turn, after fly