Vistara Flight Declares Emergency With Squawk Code 7700: What The Code Means

Vistara Flight UK27, en route Frankfurt (FRA) from Mumbai (BOM) declared an emergency by pressing Squawk Code 7700 and was diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey for security reasons on Friday. The aircraft, which took off from Mumbai earlier today, safely touched down at 19:05 local time. "Flight UK27 from Mumbai to Frankfurt (BOM-FRA) has been diverted to Turkey (Erzurum Airport) due to security reasons and landed safely at 19:05 hours. Please stay tuned for further updates,” the airline said in a statement. 

Vistara Flight UK27 declared an emergency en route, squawking transponder code 7700, and initiated a diversion to Turkey. But what does the Squawk Code 7700 mean?

Meaning of Squawk Code 7700

Squawk 7700 is a code that signals an emergency on an aircraft. Pilots can enter this code manually or when instructed by Air Traffic Control (ATC). It alerts ground control that the plane is facing a serious issue and requires assistance.

This code can be used for various emergencies, such as mechanical problems or even medical emergencies. When the plane approaches landing, the ground team prepares by clearing the runway and having emergency services ready to assist as soon as the plane touches down.

What is Squawk Code 7500?

When a pilot enters Squawk code 7500 into the transponder, it signals to Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the aircraft is experiencing a hijacking. This urgent code alerts ATC and security services that immediate assistance is needed.

In many cases, a Squawk 7500 indicates that the pilot has lost control of the aircraft or has been forced to change the flight’s course.

What is Squawk Code 7600?

Squawk code 7600 is used when an aircraft experiences radio communication failure. If verbal communication with ATC is lost, the pilot can change the transponder code to 7600 to notify ATC of the issue.

This code allows ATC to manage the situation by coordinating with other aircraft and ensuring safe airspace navigation as the plane continues its flight path and prepares to land safely without verbal contact.

According to the California Aeronautical University, "A squawk code is a four-digit number assigned to pilots by Air Traffic Control (ATC) for efficient communication during flight. The purpose of this code is to streamline interactions between pilots and ATC, providing critical information and guiding the flight. Each aircraft in the sky is given a unique squawk code, which consists of digits ranging from 0 to 7.

Once assigned, the pilot inputs the code into the aircraft’s transponder, enabling the plane’s location and data to appear on ATC screens. Entering the correct squawk code is essential for ensuring flight safety."

Vistara's Official Statement

“Vistara Flight UK27 operating from Mumbai to Frankfurt on 06 September 2024 has been diverted to Turkey due to a security concern noted by our crew while onboard. The aircraft has safely landed at Erzurum Airport. As per protocol, the relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and we are fully cooperating with the security agencies to complete the mandatory security checks. At Vistara, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft remain our highest priority," a Vistara official statement said. 

Bomb Threat Led to the Diversion

“At 2 PM IST, Mumbai ATC received a bomb threat concerning a Vistara flight from Mumbai to Frankfurt. The aircraft was immediately diverted to the nearest airport, with Indian authorities launching an investigation into the source of the hoax call. Passengers are expected to stay overnight in Turkey and will likely continue to Frankfurt on a different aircraft early tomorrow morning. Thorough checks are currently being conducted inside the aircraft,” sources told Republic.

“A passenger wrote a note claiming there was a bomb onboard. The passenger handed the note to the cabin crew, who immediately alerted the captain. Following the threat, the pilot diverted the plane for an emergency landing at the nearest airport in Turkey. Security teams and officials thoroughly searched the aircraft, but so far, nothing suspicious has been found.”

Republic World has learned that all passengers are being deboarded and officials are currently assessing the situation.