Remote control of 4 jet Boeing aircraft has been possible since at least 1984.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_Impact_Demonstration

The Controlled Impact Demonstration (or colloquially the Crash In the Desert) was a joint project between NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aimed at acquiring data, as well as demonstrating and testing new technologies,

Over a series of 14 flights... the aircraft made approximately 69 approaches, to about 150 feet (46 m) above the prepared crash site, under remote control.

On the morning of December 1, 1984, the test aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, made a left-hand departure and climbed to an altitude of 2,300 feet (700 m). The aircraft was remotely flown by NASA research pilot Fitzhugh Fulton from the NASA Dryden Remotely Controlled Vehicle Facility

14 flights, 69 approaches in '84. Imagine how much better this technology is today, and in 2000 - 16 years after the public demonstration.



CID Aircraft in practice flight above target impact site with wing cutters
NASA photo (ID: EC84-31672-A)
This file is in the public domain because it was solely created by NASA

The president said new security measures would also dramatically increase the number of plainclothes federal marshals on airplanes, give $500 million to developing enhanced cockpit security and enable air traffic controllers to take over a distressed aircraft and land it by remote control.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/transportation-july-dec01-air-security_09-27/

Space portal/wormhole? That should be on the table at least, since we're running out of explanations.