hijacking, also spelled highjacking, the illegal seizure of a land vehicle, aircraft, or other conveyance while it is in transit.

Is hijacking illegal?

In the case of Lufthansa Flight 181 and Air France Flight 139, the hijackers were not satisfied and showed no inclination to surrender, resulting in attempts by special forces to rescue passengers. In most jurisdictions of the world, aircraft hijacking is punishable by life imprisonment or a long prison sentence.

When did hijacking a plane become illegal?

In addition to this agreement, the United States, in 1961, made the hijacking of an airplane a federal crime. Under the Aircraft Piracy Act (18 U.S.C.A.