How to face hijack threat

Be aware of your surroundings.

In an airport or on an aircraft, look out for unusual behaviour - anything that looks out of place, or potential security violations. If suspicious, inform someone in authority.

Make no assumptions.

Anyone is potentially capable of being a threat. If someone is intent on perpetrating violent acts against the air transport system, that person can be of any age, gender, or nationality.

You should not assume that any particular type of person is likely to do harm simply because of outward appearances.

Get to know your aircraft.

On board, read the safety instructions, count the number of rows to the nearest exits, and check to see if there are seatback telephones available.

Keep your seat-belt fastened.

While you are seated in flight, the seat-belt provides that extra layer of protection which you might need if the plane encounters any turbulence or is put through unusual manoeuvres.

Work as a team.

Share information with crew members and the other passengers and work together. Individual action, either during a normal emergency or during a hijack - or other deliberate threat to the aircraft - is usually much less effective than a coordinated group action.

Know when, and who, to phone.

In normal circumstances, your mobile phone should never be used on board an aircraft - it may interfere with the aircraft systems and endanger the passengers and crew.

But if you are certain that the situation calls for it, and a seatback telephone is not available, try to contact someone who can help. Over Europe, 112 is the most common emergency number. In the US, the FBI is on 1 866 483 5137.

- INDEPENDENT