Changes in the focus of hijacking attempts since they began:

Political Motivations: In the early years of aircraft hijacking, the focus was often on political motives. Groups and
individuals would hijack planes to make political statements, demand the release of prisoners, or draw attention to
certain causes. Examples include the hijackings by the PFLP in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Ideological and Nationalist Motivations: Alongside political motivations, there were instances of hijackings driven by
ideological or nationalist goals. These hijackings aimed to promote specific ideologies or gain independence for certain
regions. The hijacking of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 in 1996 is an example of a nationalist-motivated hijacking.

Terrorist Activities: The focus of hijackings shifted towards terrorism, especially in the late 20 th century and early 21st
century. Terrorist groups, such as those responsible for the September 11 attacks in 2001, used hijacked planes as
weapons to cause mass casualties and damage prominent landmarks.

Criminal Intent: In some cases, hijackings occurred for criminal purposes, such as extortion or ransom. These incidents
involved demands for financial gain rather than political or ideological motives.

Overall, the focus of hijacking attempts has evolved from primarily political and ideological motivations to a broader
range that includes terrorism and criminal intent.

Improvement in security measures over the last eight decades:

Stringent Security Checks: Following hijacking incidents, airports and airlines began implementing more stringent
security checks before the commencement of each flight. By the 1970s and 1980s, countries adopted measures such as
better scanning machines and thorough passenger screening.

International Cooperation: Governments and international organizations collaborated to address hijacking threats.
Agreements were made between countries to prosecute hijackers and enhance information sharing regarding potential
threats.

Cockpit Security: The introduction of bulletproof and locked cockpit doors became standard on commercial passenger
aircraft. This measure prevented unauthorized access to the cockpit, enhancing the security of the flight crew and the
aircraft.

Enhanced Passenger Screening: Passengers underwent more rigorous screening processes, including body checks and
increased scrutiny of hand luggage. Restricted items were strictly enforced, limiting what passengers could carry on
board.

Improved Surveillance: Technology advancements allowed for better monitoring of cabin activity, enabling crew
members to detect suspicious behavior and respond promptly.

Intelligence and Threat Analysis: Intelligence agencies and aviation security authorities improved their capabilities to
gather and analyze information regarding potential threats. This included sharing intelligence on known individuals or
groups involved in hijacking activities.

Despite these improvements, hijacking incidents still occurred, highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for
continuous security enhancements in the aviation industry.