Many planes refueled and made emergency landings at the airfield.
The plane had the fuel capacity for a nonstop transcontinental flight, and had refueled near Los Angeles, just 400 miles south.
Also included in this category are aerial tankers; these planes can refuel other aircraft while in flight.
The plane then refueled before cruising in to Dulles Airport.
The plane refueled and the crew was changed, which Mr. Low said took an hour and three quarters.
But the hijackers soon noted that other planes were regularly landing and refueling as the busy airport went about its business.
By the time Mr. Aristide's plane had refueled in Antigua, his destination was set, the official said.
As soon as the plane refueled, we were off again.
The plane refueled and took on 167 new passengers, who joined 32 staying on from Los Angeles.
Under that policy, his plane refueled in Hawaii last year.