On 1 February 2003, the U.S. Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates while re-entering the Earth's atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana causing the deaths of all 7 crew members.

On December 26th, 1994, members of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) hijack Air France Flight 8969 in Algiers, after landing in Marseilles the counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit of the French National Gendarmerie, GIGN attempt to storm the plane to rescue the hostages.