Singapore Airlines Flight 117
| Industry | Aviation |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 1, 1972 |
| Headquarters | Singapore , Singapore |
| Products | Air transport services |
| Website | www |
Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked mid-journey by four terrorists from Pakistan on 26 March 1991 while operated by Singapore Airlines.
The aircraft was diverted to Singapore, where the hijackers, asserting ties to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), demanded the liberation of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto's spouse, Asif Ali Zardari, who later became President of Pakistan, along with other incarcerated PPP affiliates.
After their requests were denied, the hijackers threatened to execute hostages. Prior to the expiration of their ultimatum, commandos from the SOF launched an assault on the plane, eliminating all hijackers and rescuing every hostage without injury. This event remains the sole hijacking incident involving a Singapore Airlines aircraft.
Timeline
The Airbus A310 with registration 9V-STP departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport near Kuala Lumpur at 21:15 SST carrying 114 passengers and 11 crew members. During the flight, four armed Pakistani militants took control; they were equipped with explosives and knives but did not possess firearms. The aircraft safely touched down at Changi Airport at 22:15, where officials from the government and representatives from Singapore Airlines were present.
Identifying themselves as PPP operatives, the hijackers demanded the release of political detainees including Asif Ali Zardari and requested refueling to continue their journey to Australia. Early on 27 March, two male flight attendants were forced off after the plane was moved to a remote apron.
At 06:45, facing a final five-minute warning and threats to kill one passenger every ten minutes, authorities authorized an assault. In a swift 30-second operation by the SAF Commando Formation, all four hijackers were neutralized without harm to hostages. The leader sustained multiple gunshot wounds but attempted a last-ditch effort using explosives; he was subdued by SOF leadership. The aircraft was secured by 06:50.
Aftermath
The rapid resolution of the crisis earned Singapore global acclaim. The Prime Minister of Singapore, Goh Chok Tong, praised all parties involved for their decisive and effective action. Captain Stanley Lim, serving as pilot, and Superintendent Foo Kia Juah, head negotiator for the Singapore Police Force, received the Public Service Star. Personnel from the SAF Commando Formation were honored with the Medal for Valour, while members of the negotiation team were awarded President's Certificates of Commendation.
As of 2024, Singapore Airlines maintains flight number 117 operating between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, primarily utilizing Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Previously, this route was served by Airbus A330-300 and A350-900 models except during weekends.
Aircraft
The involved aircraft was delivered to Singapore Airlines on 22 November 1988 and continued regular service for ten years following the incident. It was later transferred to Spanish carrier Air Plus Comet on 11 May 2001, repainted in an all-white livery, and re-registered as EC-HVB. The plane was withdrawn from service and stored at the Mojave Air and Space Port in the United States on 31 May 2003 before being dismantled and scrapped on 25 April 2005.
See also
- Air France Flight 8969 – comparable event and outcome occurring in 1994
- Indian Airlines Flight 814 – analogous situation from 1999