9/11 airspace shut-down - pilot briefings?

[TeddyRuxpin]

All,

I was watching United 93 for the first time last night and it got me thinking.

When 9/11 happened - or if something similarly disruptive to air travel were to occur - and aircraft were told to land immediately or turn back, were the capts told why they were being returned (i.e, hijackings in NY - US airspace closed) or is there some kind of "code" system, i.e "BA001 return to base, code red alert".

Also - what did you / would you tell the pax?

Many thanks - hope I'm posting in correct section.

TR.

[G SXTY]

Don't expect too many replies detailing procedures, actions or phraseology in the event of security / terrorist alerts. In fact, don't expect any.

As for the passengers, I'd personally do the same as with any unscheduled diversion - tell them as little as possible until we're safely on the ground. "We're diverting for operational / technical reasons" covers just about everything.