Fighter jets scrambled as Tel Aviv-bound flight triggers false hijack alarm

A Tel Aviv-bound flight triggered a false hijack alarm on Tuesday due to a technical failure with the aircraft's transponder. This malfunction transmitted an incorrect signal indicating unlawful interference. In response to the alarm, both Israeli and Bulgarian fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the Airbus A320. Bulgaria's transport ministry stated the diversion was caused by this technical failure. While an airport official initially suggested pilot error, the ministry clarified the issue stemmed from the aircraft's equipment.