Hijacking incidents have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern airline security protocols seen today. While many may associate these stringent measures with post-9/11 reforms, the roots of airport security lie in the wave of hijackings that took place between the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Beginning of Hijackings: A Global Concern

The phenomenon of airplane hijacking can be traced back to the 1930s, with the first recorded incident in Peru, where revolutionaries attempted to commandeer an aircraft for propaganda purposes. This incident remained isolated until the post-World War II period, when hijackings became a means of escape from Eastern Europe during the Cold War. At this point, the hijacked planes were not U.S.-owned, and political asylum was often granted to the perpetrators.

The Rise of U.S.-Targeted Hijackings

By the 1960s, hijackings began targeting U.S. airlines, especially by individuals seeking to return to Cuba despite travel restrictions. Although these incidents were infrequent and typically non-violent, they signaled a growing issue. U.S. authorities responded by making hijacking a federal crime, but this was just the beginning of what would become a significant threat to air travel.

A New Era of Political Hijackings

In 1968, a new wave of politically motivated hijackings emerged, most notably with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hijacking an El Al flight. These incidents became more violent and strategically targeted, shifting the nature of hijacking from simple demands to larger political statements. Between 1968 and 1974, U.S. airlines alone experienced 130 hijackings.

The Dawson's Field Hijackings

One of the most significant incidents during this period was the Dawson's Field hijackings in 1970, where four aircraft, including three U.S. carriers, were taken and forced to land in Libya. Although no hostages were harmed, the planes were destroyed, marking a turning point in the U.S. government's approach to handling these situations. The threat of hijackers crashing planes into nuclear facilities further alarmed officials.

The D.B. Cooper Affair

Among the various hijackings, one case stands out in popular culture—the mysterious 1971 hijacking by a man known as D.B. Cooper. After demanding $200,000 and four parachutes, Cooper vanished mid-flight, never to be seen again. While many hijackers were eventually caught, Cooper's elusive disappearance added to his legend, even though other hijackers inspired by his act were not so fortunate.

Implementing Security Measures

In response to the escalating frequency and severity of hijackings, the U.S. government introduced the first wave of anti-hijacking security measures. This included the introduction of metal detectors, hijacker profiles, and stricter screening processes, all designed to prevent hijackers from boarding planes. The Cooper vane, a mechanism to prevent the opening of aircraft stairwells during flight, was also introduced following the D.B. Cooper incident.

Legal Foundations for Modern Security

The legal framework for today’s airport security began in the 1970s with landmark court rulings that upheld the constitutionality of security measures like passenger screening. These rulings paved the way for the more extensive protocols that were later expanded following the 9/11 attacks.

Conclusion

The wave of hijackings from the late 1960s through the 1970s not only transformed air travel but also solidified the need for stringent security measures that would eventually become standard across the globe. While D.B. Cooper may remain a mystery, his actions were part of a broader movement that forced the aviation industry to prioritize safety and security.