Israel Air Force Prepared to Shoot Down Hijacked Plane

The Israeli Air Force was prepared to take drastic measures, including potentially destroying a Flydubai aircraft, if it had been hijacked and approached Israeli airspace with Israelis on board. The Air Force received orders to eliminate the plane if it crossed the country's border, based on the assumption that a suspect might attempt to steer the aircraft towards an Israeli settlement or strategic site, mirroring the 9/11 attacks. This information was reported by the Telegram channel "Israeli Labor Affairs."

Flydubai officially commented on the incident involving flight FZ 1073, which was en route from Dubai to Ben Gurion Airport. The airline dispatched two backup aircraft to Tel Aviv to assist passengers and crew, stating that the event did not impact other Flydubai flights. The company is investigating the incident's causes and circumstances, urging against premature conclusions. Flydubai emphasized passenger and crew safety as its top priority and pledged cooperation with investigators.

Earlier reports indicated that Israelis were on board the Flydubai flight, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia for their evacuation. The Mossad reportedly cleared the crew after conducting security checks before the flight's departure. Unconfirmed reports about the co-pilot carrying an axe were not substantiated, and flight crews undergo thorough security screenings.

The incident highlighted the potential response measures by the Israeli Air Force to threats against civilian aircraft. Interceptor jets can be scrambled quickly, and authorities can temporarily restrict or close the country's airspace if necessary.