A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing this Wednesday in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a violent incident inside the cockpit that triggered Israel's security alarms and is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack.
Flight FZ1073 was carrying around 150 passengers, mostly Israelis, and was scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport. However, during the journey, it first emitted an emergency signal and later the code 7500, used to indicate possible unlawful interference or hijacking.
The aircraft ended up diverting to Saudi Arabia and landed at Tabuk Airport. All passengers are safe, Flydubai confirmed, while authorities investigate what happened in the cockpit.
A pilot allegedly attacked the other and the plane dropped 17,000 feet
According to information released by Israeli officials and testimonies from passengers, one of the pilots allegedly stabbed the other during the flight. The incident reportedly caused a loss of control of the aircraft and a rapid drop in altitude.
Data analyzed by BBC Verify shows that the plane descended approximately 17,000 feet, about 5,200 meters, in less than two minutes, while flying over Saudi territory. Shortly after, emergency signals were issued.
Passengers reported hearing screams coming from the cockpit and seeing blood. Some claimed that crew members called for help and that passengers managed to subdue and restrain the alleged attacker.
Additionally, there were two other pilots traveling as passengers who helped stabilize the aircraft and complete the emergency landing. This version has not yet been officially confirmed by Flydubai.
Israel activated its protocols in the face of a possible attack
The seriousness of the situation led Israel to activate its security protocols and deploy fighter jets amid initial fears that the plane had been hijacked.
Israeli authorities held emergency consultations while trying to determine whether it was a confrontation between crew members or a deliberate action against the plane and its passengers.
Israeli officials cited by Reuters indicated that the incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack. The motivation and exact circumstances have not yet been publicly established.
The suspicion was also fueled by the signals emitted from the aircraft. First, the code 7700, corresponding to a general emergency, appeared, and later the 7500, associated with possible unlawful interference. After issuing these signals, the plane changed its course and ended up landing in Tabuk.
Netanyahu brought the situation under control and they are working to return the passengers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed about the situation and held consultations with security officials. Subsequently, his office stated that the situation was under control and that efforts were being made to facilitate the return of Israeli passengers.
The incident raised particular concern as it involved a flight destined for Israel and due to the possibility that the violence inside the cockpit was part of a deliberate attempt to take control of the aircraft.
Some passengers described scenes of immense tension and stated that for several minutes they believed the plane could crash. One passenger told Israeli media that travelers heard screams and saw blood inside the cockpit.
For its part, Flydubai avoided confirming reports about the attack and limited itself to informing that the plane had landed safely in Tabuk and that all passengers were safe. The company assured that its teams are cooperating with the authorities and that it will provide new information when confirmed data is available.
The investigation continues to determine what exactly happened inside the cockpit, who initiated the attack, what their motivation was, and whether the incident indeed constituted an attempt at a terrorist attack or hijacking.
