Operation Thunderbolt 1976: The Athens hijacking
The most famous rescue mission in history began with a dramatic incident at the Athens airport.
- An Air France flight was hijacked after departing Athens in 1976.
- Hostages were held in Uganda during a major international crisis.
- The event concluded with a daring Israeli rescue operation.
For Israeli travelers visiting Athens, this historical event serves as a reminder of past aviation security challenges. Always check official travel guidelines before flying abroad.
The Drama That Started in Athens
In 1976, international aviation faced one of its most severe security crises. The renowned story of the Entebbe rescue actually originated on Greek soil, when an Air France flight departing from Athens was hijacked by militants. The aircraft was diverted from its original route.
The Journey to Uganda
Following the takeover originating from the skies of Greece and subsequent stops, the flight was directed to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. Hundreds of passengers, including many Israeli citizens, were held hostage under constant threat by the kidnappers, backed by the local regime.
The Daring Rescue Operation
This crisis prompted one of the most complex rescue operations in history. Israeli forces launched the mission to free the hostages, flying deep into Africa to successfully evacuate the captives and bring them safely back to Israel.
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