Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A potentially catastrophic incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was averted after the Indian captain reportedly fought back when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit, according to Israeli media reports and officials. The aircraft, carrying around 180 passengers, was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Indian Captain Fought Back After Alleged Cockpit Attack
The incident occurred aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports said the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a knife inside the cockpit.
The captain, who has been identified in Israeli media reports as an Indian national, reportedly fought back despite being injured. Passengers near the front of the aircraft also rushed towards the cockpit and helped restrain the alleged attacker.
Plane Rapidly Lost Altitude, Emergency Codes Triggered
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft making a sharp descent during the incident. The flight also transmitted emergency codes, including 7700, indicating a general emergency, and 7500, associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.
The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Both pilots were injured and taken to hospital, while passengers were reported safe.
Israeli Officials Probe Possible 9/11-Like Attack
Israeli officials are investigating the incident as a possible attempted terror attack. One Israeli official was quoted as saying that one pilot had allegedly stabbed the other and “tried to do 9/11”, referring to a possible attempt to seize control of the aircraft or crash it.
However, the exact motive and circumstances remain under investigation. Reuters reported that officials were treating the incident as a possible attempted terror attack, while other initial accounts described it as a violent cockpit incident rather than a confirmed hijacking.
Passengers and Other Pilots Helped Regain Control
After the confrontation, passengers reportedly helped subdue the attacker. Reports also said that off-duty pilots travelling as passengers assisted in taking control of the aircraft before it made the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The incident has prompted an investigation into the co-pilot, the circumstances of the cockpit assault and whether the attack was deliberately intended to bring down or take control of the aircraft.