Airplane hijacking is a compound noun that can be spelled as either "airplane hijacking" or "airplane highjacking." The latter spelling, with the letter 'j' inserted into the word "hijacking," is considered a common misspelling by many people. The correct way to pronounce this word is /ˈɛər.plən ˈhaɪ.dʒæk.ɪŋ/, with the stress on the second syllable of "hijacking." This term refers to the unlawful seizure of an aircraft in flight, often with the intention of using the plane as a weapon or for political purposes.
Airplane hijacking refers to the act of unlawfully seizing control of an aircraft while it is in flight, with the intention of taking it to a different destination or exerting influence over the flight's operations. Also known as aircraft piracy, airplane hijacking involves the use of force, threats, or coercion by an individual or group of individuals, known as hijackers, to commandeer the airplane against the will of the crew and passengers. The primary objective of hijackers is typically to gain political or personal leverage by forcing the authorities to meet their demands, which may range from political or ideological goals to financial ransom, prisoner releases, or other forms of concessions.
The term "airplane hijacking" encompasses a range of actions that can vary in their level of violence and endangerment, from non-violent hijackings where the safety of passengers is generally maintained, to more violent incidents involving physical harm, injuries, or even fatalities. The act of hijacking an airplane poses a significant threat to national security and international aviation safety, and as such, it is considered a criminal offense in most jurisdictions worldwide.
Efforts to combat airplane hijackings have led to the implementation of various security measures, such as reinforced cockpit doors, improved passenger screening processes, and the presence of air marshals or security officers on selected flights. International cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordination between law enforcement agencies have also played a crucial role in preventing and responding to such incidents, aiming to minimize the risk posed by airplane hijackings and ensure the safety of air travel.
The word "airplane hijacking" is composed of two parts: "airplane" and "hijacking".
The term "airplane" originated from the combination of the words "air" and "plane". "Air" stems from the Latin word "aer", which means "air" or "atmosphere". The word "plane" comes from the Latin word "planus", meaning "flat" or "level". Therefore, "airplane" can be understood as a machine designed to travel through the air at a level or flat position.
The term "hijacking" originated from the word "hijack", which emerged in the early 20th century. Its precise origin is uncertain, but it likely originated from the term "highwayman" or "hijacker" used to describe individuals who robbed ships or carriages.