[Tallguy]

OK. I’ll play...

If the plane was hijacked to be used as part of a subsequent terrorist attack — a la 9/11 — then the passengers are already dead along with any of the crew that weren’t in on the hijacking.

My number 1 theory is the cockpit fire. It fits the few known facts without adding in assumptions about hiding a plane that are just so unlikely as to be next-to-impossible.

[Genoa]

The passengers would be useful as hostages aboard the plane as it heads toward Tel Aviv.

[matt04]

Makes about the most sense of all the theories. Sudden fire disables all communications and controls.

[nikos1121]

I agree. Plane flew on auto pilot until it crashed into the ocean.