Response Management to Unlawful Interference: Hijacking and Commander Powers

Response to Unlawful Seizure (Hijacking)

When an aircraft subjected to an act of unlawful seizure lands in a Contracting State:

• Detention: The State shall detain the aircraft on the ground unless its departure is necessitated by the overriding duty to protect human life.
• Assistance: The State shall provide:
  • Air navigation aids.
  • Air traffic services (ATC).
  • Permission to land.

Tokyo Convention (Powers of the Aircraft Commander)

• The aircraft commander may disembark any person who he believes has committed or is about to commit an act of unlawful interference.
• May deliver to the competent authorities any person who has committed a serious act.