The 2007 Mauritanian Flight Hijacking That Passengers Turned Into Victory

On the evening of February 8, 2007, Air Mauritania Flight MR-625, a scheduled Boeing 737, departed Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital, en route to Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands. The flight carried 71 passengers and eight crew members, bound for a routine journey.

Shortly after takeoff, a 32-year-old Mauritanian man suddenly brandished two 7mm pistols and declared a hijacking. He demanded the plane be diverted to France, where he intended to seek political asylum.

The hijacker’s calm demeanor belied the tension and panic rippling through the cabin. Passengers feared for their lives while the crew sought ways to regain control without escalating violence.

The Pilot’s Clever Plan

Captain Ahmedou Mohamed Lemine, a seasoned pilot with over 20 years’ experience, quickly assessed the situation. He understood that direct confrontation would be dangerous and that tactical subtlety was crucial.

While communicating with the hijacker in Arabic, the captain took note that the man did not speak or understand French. This language barrier became the key to the pilot’s ingenious strategy.

Using the plane’s public address system, Lemine discreetly addressed the passengers in French, issuing a fabricated warning that the landing would be rough and urging them to prepare to act. He told them to use the moment when the hijacker was off balance to overpower him.

Simultaneously, the captain directed women and children to move to the rear of the plane to keep them away from the altercation zone, minimizing collateral harm.

The Dramatic Takeover of Control

As the plane approached Gran Canaria’s airport, Captain Lemine executed a daring maneuver—he slammed on the brakes suddenly, then accelerated sharply just after, causing a jolt that unbalanced the hijacker.

Caught off guard, the man stumbled and fell to the floor of the aircraft aisle, dropping one of his pistols. Seizing the moment, crew members and about ten passengers immediately sprang into action, throwing boiling water from a coffee machine onto the hijacker’s face and chest.

The passengers then subdued the attacker with punches and tackles, restraining him until Spanish police boarded the plane after landing at Gando Airport outside Las Palmas.

Passenger Courage Amid Fear and Uncertainty

Passengers recalled moments of terror and determination as they faced the crisis. Many initially feared a terrorist attack, citing the incident’s timing with the start of a major terrorism trial in Spain related to the 2004 Madrid train bombings.

Aicha Mint Sidi, a 45-year-old passenger, recalled trembling with fear during the hijacking, fearing it would end in tragedy. Yet the swift victory brought overwhelming relief and gratitude toward the pilot and fellow passengers.

Dahi Ould Ali, aged 52, emphasized how quick thinking and calm communication by the crew prevented disaster.

The Hijacker’s Motives and Aftermath

The hijacker, later identified as Mohamed Abderraman, was believed to be seeking political asylum in France. When refused landing permission at Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara’s city of Dajla, the pilot proceeded to the original destination, Gran Canaria.

He was arrested on arrival, and Spanish authorities confirmed he had no terrorist connections. The incident served as a reminder of the complex social and political pressures underlying such hijackings.

The crew and passengers’ bravery received widespread praise, with Air Mauritania honoring Captain Lemine as a hero and calling for official recognition.

How This Incident Highlights The Power of Collective Action

The 2007 Mauritanian hijacking underscores themes of coordination, trust, and courage. The pilot’s wise use of language barriers and quick judgment saved dozens of lives. His ability to communicate a risky plan covertly empowered passengers to act decisively.

This event also illustrates the vital role passengers and crew play in aviation safety. Beyond government or security protocols, it reminds us how human resolve and teamwork can thwart potentially catastrophic situations.

Fascinating Trivia About The Mauritanian Flight Hijacking

• The pilot spoke French to passengers because the hijacker did not understand it, leveraging a linguistic edge.
• Boiling water was used in the attack against the hijacker, improvised from the beverage service.
• About 20 passengers suffered minor injuries due to the sudden plane maneuvers during the counterattack.
• The hijacker carried two pistols but dropped one after losing balance.
• The flight was a Boeing 737, a workhorse in commercial aviation known for reliability.
• The hijacking occurred shortly after the 2004 Madrid bombing trial began, heightening initial fears of terrorism.
• The hijacker was later believed to be Moroccan from Western Sahara, adding geopolitical complexities.
• Captain Ahmedou Mohamed Lemine’s quick thinking has been lauded in aviation safety circles and news media.

Preparedness and Calm Under Pressure

This incident teaches that preparedness, calm, and smart leadership can turn even deadly crises into successful outcomes. The captain’s presence of mind, combined with collective passenger action, achieved what force or negotiation alone might not have secured.

The role of linguistic astuteness—using a language unknown to the attacker—adds a fascinating layer to tactics in hostage or hijacking scenarios.

A Flight That Could Have Ended Differently

The 2007 Mauritania flight hijacking serves as a thrilling example of courage, ingenuity, and teamwork in the face of danger. What could have been a tragic event instead became a story of empowerment and victory for the passengers and crew.

By studying this case, aviation professionals and security experts draw valuable lessons in crisis management and communication.

Sharing this article preserves the memory of heroism shown at 35,000 feet and inspires confidence in human ingenuity when faced with the unexpected.

Sources & Further Reading:

• NBC News: Passengers Overpower Armed Hijacker (2007)
• Aviation Pros: Quick-Thinking Pilot and Passenger Teamwork (2007)
• Reuters: Mauritania Hijack Ended by Passengers (2007)
• Wikipedia: List of Aircraft Hijackings – Mauritania Incident
• BBC News: Analysis of Aviation Security Post-Hijacking