Amsterdam: Pilot Accidentally Sets Off Hijack Alarm, Triggers Chaos At Schiphol Airport

A pilot accidentally set off a hijack alarm on a plane at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on Wednesday, triggering a huge security operation by Dutch police. Spanish airline Air Europa "deeply" apologised for the incident on board its flight from the Dutch capital to Madrid, which saw emergency vehicles swarm around the plane.

"False alarm. In the flight Amsterdam-Madrid this afternoon was activated, by mistake, a warning that triggers protocols on hijackings at the airport," the airline tweeted.

"Nothing has happened, all passengers are safe and sound waiting to fly soon. We deeply apologise." The Dutch Royal Military Police had earlier said they were investigating a "suspect situation", but announced an hour later that the passengers and crew were "safely off the plane." 

The plane was carrying 27 passengers, Dutch media said.

Pictures from the scene showed police vehicles and ambulances clustered around the plane while parts of the airport were cordoned off by the false alarm. 

As a result of the investigation by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, our D pier was temporarily closed. From now on, there is a regular operation at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol again.

— Schiphol (@Schiphol) November 6, 2019

The terminals are now back to normal and operating as usual. We advise travellers to check our website, the Schiphol app or with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information. All planned flights are departing, however several dozen were delayed. None were cancelled.

— Schiphol (@Schiphol) November 6, 2019

Schiphol is one of Europe's busiest airports, handling more than 70 million passengers a year, according to its website.