Which terrorist group is noted for a series of hijackings marking the beginning of modern aviation terrorism?

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) is recognized for its significant role in perpetrating hijackings that marked the dawn of modern aviation terrorism during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The PFLP, a leftist Palestinian group, employed hijacking as a strategic method to gain international attention for their cause and to exert pressure for political negotiations.

Their most notable operation was the hijacking of multiple aircraft in 1970, which they coordinated in tandem with other groups, creating a major incident that captured global headlines and underscored vulnerabilities in air travel security. This approach influenced future terrorist organizations to adopt similar tactics, thereby changing the landscape of both aviation security and counterterrorism efforts.

In contrast, while groups like Al-Qaeda are known for other high-profile attacks, particularly on September 11, 2001, they were not the pioneers in hijacking aircraft for political leverage. Hezbollah, although involved in other forms of terrorism, does not have a history of hijacking aircraft as a primary tactic. The Earth Liberation Front is focused on environmental issues and engages in ecoterrorism but is not associated with aviation terrorism. This historical context regarding the PFLP establishes its significance in the