Dawson’s Field Hijackings: September 6, 1970

On September 6, 1970, a coordinated series of hijackings orchestrated by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) marked a significant event in international aviation and terrorism history. The group targeted several flights scheduled to depart from European airports heading towards New York City. This act was part of the group’s broader strategy to gain media attention for their cause regarding the Palestinian struggle.

The Hijackings

1. El Al Flight 219:

   • Aircraft: Boeing 707
   • Route: Departed from Amsterdam bound for New York.
   • Details: The hijacking attempt on El Al Flight 219 was thwarted by Israeli security personnel. A firefight ensued when the militants, including Leila Khaled, attempted to seize the plane. One of the hijackers was killed while Leila Khaled was subdued, resulting in the plane safely landing at Heathrow Airport in London.

2. TWA Flight 741:

   • Aircraft: Boeing 707
   • Route: Departed from Frankfurt bound for New York.
   • Outcome: Addressing no initial resistance, the hijacked aircraft was diverted and landed at Dawson’s Field, a remote desert airstrip in Jordan that had previously served as a Royal Air Force base, renaming it “Revolutionary Airport.”

3. Swissair Flight 100:

   • Aircraft: Douglas DC-8
   • Route: Departed from Zurich bound for New York.
   • Outcome: Successfully hijacked and redirected to Dawson’s Field alongside TWA Flight 741.

Subsequent Developments

• A fourth aircraft, Pan Am Flight 93, also became entangled in the broader plan but was rerouted to Cairo after being hijacked on September 9.
• The militants sought to use the passengers as hostages to press for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and other nations.
• On September 12, the hijackers released passengers from TWA Flight 741 and Swissair Flight 100, but the aircraft were blown up on the ground at Dawson’s Field as a demonstration of their demands. The last hostages were released after tense negotiations on September 30, after Jordan’s King Hussein’s military crackdown on PFLP camps during what became known as Black September.

Historical Significance

The Dawson’s Field hijackings were a pivotal moment in the history of airline security and counter-terrorism strategy. The event highlighted vulnerabilities in international aviation and propelled countries to adopt more stringent security measures at airports. It also underscored the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, where such acts of terrorism were becoming increasingly internationalized, drawing global attention to the Palestinian cause, albeit through polarizing means.