Israeli Passengers Thwart Hijacking Attempt on Flydubai Flight

A Flydubai flight carrying approximately 180 Israeli passengers, including 25 children, experienced a terrifying hijacking attempt on Wednesday. The flight, FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was descending rapidly at a rate of 31,000 feet per minute, a speed close to Mach 1, indicating a near-vertical dive. This alarming maneuver triggered emergency codes, including 7700 (general emergency) and 7500 (hijacking), prompting Israel's security forces to scramble fighter jets and halt air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport.

Inside the cockpit, the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, allegedly stabbed the Emirati captain and attempted to crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Passengers heard screams from the cockpit and felt the plane violently shaking. In a remarkable act of bravery, several Israeli passengers broke into the cockpit, subdued the attacker, and restrained him. The injured captain managed to regain control of the aircraft, leveling it at 15,000 feet and halting the descent.

Disturbing footage circulated showing passengers with injuries, bloodstains on the aircraft walls, and the captain lying on the floor. Passengers were heard encouraging the captain to stay conscious. The passengers formed a human shield in front of the cockpit door to prevent further access. After landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the Israeli passengers broke into song, singing "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live).

Israeli officials criticized Flydubai for violating security agreements by employing an Omani pilot on a flight to Israel, as only pilots from countries with diplomatic ties are permitted. The unscheduled landing in Tabuk, a location with both civilian and military airfields, presented a complex diplomatic and security challenge. The Israeli government considered deploying an IDF military aircraft for the passengers' evacuation. Security officials believe the co-pilot intended to carry out an attack similar to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.