A routine Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a terrifying mid-air ordeal after an alleged violent confrontation between the pilots forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Flight FZ1073 was travelling at about 34,000 feet when a violent incident erupted in the cockpit, according to reports from Israeli officials and other sources.
Captain Allegedly Stabbed
The Boeing 737 subsequently descended about 17,400 feet, falling from 34,000 feet to approximately 16,600 feet in just over two minutes.
New reports have significantly changed the initial account of the incident, which was first described as a fight between the pilots.
BBC News reports that the co-pilot was believed to have stabbed the captain before cabin crew entered the cockpit and helped take control of the aircraft.
Israeli officials are investigating whether the incident could have been an attempted terror attack.
Passengers Recount Incident
Passenger accounts also described hearing screams before seeing blood inside the cockpit.
One passenger disclosed that they were asked to help restrain the alleged attacker, while other accounts said crew members and passengers helped bring the situation under control.
The aircraft transmitted an emergency signal after the incident, before briefly switching to squawk code 7500, the internationally recognised code associated with unlawful interference or a suspected hijacking.
The signal prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets as authorities initially feared the aircraft could have been hijacked. It was eventually diverted towards Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Passengers Safe After Emergency Landing
Flydubai confirmed that flight FZ1073 landed safely at Tabuk Airport and that all passengers were safe and accounted for.
The airline said it was working with relevant authorities and would provide further updates as confirmed information became available.
Both pilots were injured and taken to hospital after the aircraft landed, according to Tabuk Airport.
Reports indicate that the suspected attacker was an Omani national, while the other pilot was from the UAE, although authorities had not publicly established a motive.
