Co-Pilot Allegedly Attempted to Crash Flydubai Flight to Israel

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a severe incident early Wednesday morning when it broadcast distress signals and activated Code 7500, indicating unlawful interference, possibly a hijacking. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled, and security consultations were held in Israel. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely with approximately 180 passengers, many of them Israelis. Initial indications suggest the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the plane and crash it with everyone on board. Reports suggest the co-pilot may have stabbed the pilot shortly after the incident began. Crew members and passengers reportedly intervened, forcing their way into the cockpit to subdue the co-pilot and prevent further escalation.

During the incident, contact with the plane was lost for a period, and it disappeared from flight tracking applications. Data from Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft plunged 14,000 feet in one minute, accompanied by course changes and loss of communication. Passengers described dramatic moments, including shouts from the cockpit. Following the landing in Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot is under investigation, with Israeli authorities examining all aspects of the incident. The co-pilot is believed to be from a Gulf state.

Flydubai confirmed the safe landing and that all passengers are secure. The airline is arranging a replacement aircraft to fly passengers from Saudi Arabia to Israel. However, the Israeli Air Force is preparing a military aircraft to evacuate the Israelis, and an El Al civilian plane is also being considered. All other Flydubai flights landing in Israel are being diverted to a separate area for security checks to rule out a wider threat. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant characterized the event as a thwarted "jihadist attack," crediting the bravery of Israeli passengers who entered the cockpit and apprehended the suspect. He stated the co-pilot's intention was to crash the plane, and that the passengers handed control back to the remaining pilots. Saudi Arabia reportedly refused permission for an Israeli aircraft to land on its territory, leading to the use of a Flydubai plane for the passenger evacuation.