IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack – A Detailed Account of One of the Most Notorious Hijackings in History
Date: September 4, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM (EST)
Introduction
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack , On December 24, 1999, the world witnessed a harrowing event that shook the foundations of international security and diplomacy—the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The flight, en route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, India, was taken over by five armed terrorists and diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan, setting off a chain of events that would captivate and terrify people across the globe. This incident, known as the Kandahar Hijack, remains one of the most significant and controversial episodes in aviation history.

The Hijacking: A Timeline of Events
December 24, 1999: The Day of Horror
- 4:10 PM (IST): Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 takes off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, heading to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
- 5:30 PM (IST): Approximately one hour into the flight, five heavily armed terrorists, later identified as members of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, storm the cockpit and take control of the aircraft, diverting it towards Lahore, Pakistan.
- 7:00 PM (IST): After being denied landing in Lahore due to a fuel shortage, the hijackers redirect the plane to Amritsar, India, but Indian authorities refuse to allow the plane to land.
- 8:00 PM (IST): The aircraft eventually lands in Lahore, Pakistan, where it is refueled. After a tense standoff, the hijackers take off once more, this time heading towards Kandahar, Afghanistan.
The Week-Long Ordeal: Negotiations and Uncertainty
- December 25-30, 1999: The hijacked plane remains on the tarmac at Kandahar Airport, with 176 passengers and crew held hostage. The Taliban, who controlled Afghanistan at the time, positioned themselves as mediators, adding a layer of complexity to the negotiations.
- December 31, 1999: After intense diplomatic discussions, India agrees to release three militants—Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar—in exchange for the safe release of the hostages. The prisoners are flown to Kandahar, and the hostages are freed.
The Aftermath: A Global Impact The Kandahar Hijack had far-reaching implications. It highlighted vulnerabilities in aviation security, strained Indo-Pak relations, and led to the strengthening of anti-terrorism laws in India. The release of Masood Azhar, who later founded the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, has had lasting consequences on global security.
Cultural Impact and Media Representation
The IC 814 hijacking has inspired various forms of media, including films and documentaries that attempt to capture the tension and drama of the event. Notable among them is the 2003 Bollywood film “Zameen,” loosely based on the Kandahar Hijack, and the 2021 film “Bell Bottom,” which drew inspiration from various hijacking incidents, including IC 814.
The Legacy of IC 814
The IC 814 hijacking remains a critical event in the history of global terrorism and international diplomacy. Its legacy continues to shape the discourse on aviation security and counter-terrorism efforts. The release of dangerous militants in exchange for hostages has sparked debates on the ethical and strategic implications of such negotiations, highlighting the challenges faced by nations in dealing with terrorism.
As the world continues to grapple with new security challenges, the lessons learned from the IC 814 hijacking serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities of international relations and the persistent threat of terrorism.
Cultural Representation and Media Depictions
The dramatic events surrounding the IC 814 hijacking have inspired various forms of media, from news reports to films. A notable example is the Bollywood film “Zameen” (2003), which loosely draws inspiration from the Kandahar hijacking. The film revolves around a similar hijack scenario and the efforts of the Indian military to rescue the hostages.
Another film, “Bell Bottom” (2021), is a spy thriller set during the 1980s and early 1990s. While not directly based on IC 814, it was inspired by various hijackings during that period, including references to the Kandahar incident.
These films reflect the continuing cultural impact of the IC 814 hijacking on Indian society, showcasing the intense drama and national resilience that characterized the real-life event.
Conclusion
The IC 814 hijacking is not just a tale of terror and negotiation; it’s a significant chapter in the ongoing battle against global terrorism. The lessons learned from this incident continue to influence aviation security and international diplomacy to this day.
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