Narrative:An Algerian man hijacked an Air Algerie Boeing 737 aircraft on a domestic flight from Bechar to Algiers, with 54 passengers on board. Upon landing in Algiers the hijacker threatened to detonate a grenade unless a communiqué was read on Algerian television. Although the hijacker was not allowed media time, according to government authorities, he wanted to make an appeal for national unity and a postponement of elections. After several hours of negotiation with the Algerian Minister of Interior, the hijacker released the passengers and surrendered.
Classification:
Hijack
Sources:
» Criminal Acts Against Civil Aviation 1991 / U.S. Department of Transport, FAA, Office of Civil Aviation Security
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Béchar-Leger Airport to Algiers-Houari Boumediene Airport as the crow flies is 749 km (468 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.