ROAn Airbus A320 operated by Bulgarian airline Electra Airways on a flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv experienced a technical malfunction with its transponder, which sent a false signal indicating a hijacking. This triggered emergency protocols, including the dispatch of a Bulgarian MiG-29 fighter jet to intercept the aircraft. The transponder had emitted code 7500, commonly used to signal an unlawful intervention aboard an aircraft. After confirming there was no actual threat, the plane was escorted out of Bulgarian airspace via Turkey before being redirected back to Bulgaria and successfully landing at Burgas Airport. No passengers or crew were harmed, and the incident did not disrupt airport operations. Israeli air forces also deployed two fighter jets in response to reports of lost contact with the aircraft but confirmed no security concerns. The airline attributed the issue to a pilot error.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the incident, citing multiple official sources such as the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense, and the Polish airport spokesperson. It does not take a clear stance or show favoritism toward any side, focusing on factual recit
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports the incident involving the Bulgarian airline and the false transponder signal. It provides details from official sources like the Ministry of Transport and mentions the interception by a MiG-29. The reporting aligns with cross-source consensus. However, it slightly emp
