People and Events on December 24, 1999

No famous people were born on this date, but there may be notable events you would find interesting below.

A Christmas Eve Like No Other: December 24th, 1999

December 24th, 1999, was a day that will be etched in the memories of many for years to come. It was a day that witnessed a dramatic end to a 7-day hijacking ordeal, marked a significant milestone in the world of sports, and celebrated the birthdays of two influential individuals.

The Indian Airlines Hijack: A Crisis Comes to an End

The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which began on December 24th, 1998, finally came to an end on Christmas Eve, 1999. After a tense 7-day standoff, the Indian government agreed to release three militants in exchange for the safe release of the 155 hostages on board. The ordeal, which began in Nepal, had taken the hijackers and their captives on a journey across India, the UAE, and finally, Afghanistan.

A New Era in Cricket: The Birth of the ICC

On this day, the International Cricket Council (ICC) was officially established, replacing the Imperial Cricket Conference (ICC) that was founded in 1909. This marked a significant milestone in the history of cricket, as the new ICC aimed to promote the sport globally and bring more structure and organization to the game.

Celebrating Birthdays of Influence

December 24th, 1999, was also the birthday of two influential individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

A Day to Remember

In conclusion, December 24th, 1999, was a day that was marked by drama, celebration, and milestone events. As the world breathed a sigh of relief with the end of the Indian Airlines hijack, the ICC marked a new era in cricket, and two young individuals celebrated their birthdays, unaware of the impact they would have on their respective fields in the years to come.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
26 years ago
Indian Airlines Hijack: 7-Day Ordeal Ended in Afghanistan (Kandahar, Afghanistan) 1999
It was a typical holiday season, but for the passengers of Indian Airlines Flight 814, Christmas 1999 would become a nightmare. On a routine flight from Kathmandu to Delhi, the aircraft was hijacked by masked gunmen who stormed the cockpit, taking control of the plane. The hijackers, demanding the release of imprisoned militants, forced the pilot to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where they began a 7-day standoff with Indian authorities. As the world watched, 190 terrified passengers and crew members were held hostage, with one tragic fatality. The crisis finally ended on December 31, when the hijackers released the surviving passengers, bringing an end to a harrowing ordeal.