The word "skyjack" is spelled as /ˈskaɪdʒæk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to the unlawful seizing of an aircraft while it is in flight. The spelling of "skyjack" is derived from the combination of "sky" and "jack," where "sky" stands for the apparent limit of one's aspirations, and "jack" means to seize or take away something forcefully. Hence, "skyjack" can be understood as forcefully taking control of an aircraft in mid-air.
The term "skyjack" refers to the act of hijacking or seizing control of an aircraft while it is in the air. It involves the unlawful taking of an airplane, typically for the purpose of ransom, political demands, or causing harm. This dangerous act is carried out by force, coercion, or threats against passengers and crew.
When an aircraft is skyjacked, the hijackers take command of the plane, diverting it from its original course and often landing it in an unfamiliar location. This often involves intimidating or overpowering the flight crew and subjecting passengers to a state of fear and vulnerability. Skyjacking can create a highly volatile situation, as the lives of innocent individuals are put at risk amidst the demands and intentions of the hijackers.
The motive behind a skyjacking may vary. It can be driven by political reasons, aiming to draw attention or make a statement. Sometimes, skyjackings are carried out for financial gain, with perpetrators seeking ransom in exchange for the release of the aircraft, its passengers, or both. Regardless of the underlying motive, skyjacking is universally condemned due to the threat it poses to innocent lives and the disruption it causes to air travel.
In response to the persistence of skyjackings over the years, stringent security measures have been implemented worldwide, including reinforced cockpit doors, thorough security screenings, and the presence of air marshals on certain flights. These measures aim to deter and prevent acts of skyjacking, ensuring the safety of aviation and its passengers.
The word "skyjack" is a compound word formed from the combination of "sky" and "hijack".
The term "hijack" originated in the early 20th century and was initially used to describe the act of stealing or forcefully taking control of a motor vehicle, particularly a car. The word "hijack" is believed to be a blend of "highway" and "jack", which was a slang term used for "steal". The "hi" in "hijack" likely refers to the act's elevation, suggesting the theft of a vehicle traveling on a road.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when aircraft hijackings became prominent, the term "hijack" was extended to describe the act of taking control of an airplane by force.