1st LD Writethru: South African airline Airlink denies plane hijacking report

SA Airlink, a South African airline, has denied that one of its planes was hijacked en route from Cape Town to Wonderboom airport on Monday morning.

All the 72 passengers and four crew members aboard SA8678 were safe, SA Airlink said.

Reports emerged early on Monday afternoon about an SA Airlink flight being hijacked.

But according to local news outlet eNCA, the pilot incorrectly sent an hijack distress signal due to technical glitch.

The incident has been confirmed by SA Airlink.

"We confirm that hijack alert for SA8678 on 11 July 2016 from CT (Cape Town) to Wonderboom appears to be an anomaly. 72 passengers & 4 crew members safe," SA Airlink said.

In a statement, Airlink confirmed one of its aircraft, an Avro RJ, operating as flight SA8678 from Cape Town to Wonderboom, Pretoria, this afternoon emitted an anomalous hi-jack alert through its transponder.

Authorities have held the aircraft as a prescribed precautionary measure while they verify that all is in good order, eNCA said.

The airport building has been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

According to the airline, they have initiated an internal investigation into the erroneous transmission.

"We have been in contact with our pilots & can confirm that no hijacking has taken place," SA Airlink said. Endit