Flydubai Pilot Attempts to Crash Plane, Passengers Intervene

A dramatic incident occurred on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday, which was visible on real-time flight tracking software. The Boeing 737, carrying over 150 passengers, departed Dubai at 6:05 AM. After two hours and fifteen minutes of uneventful travel, at 8:21 AM, the aircraft began a sharp descent from its cruising altitude of 34,000 feet to 19,000 feet within a single minute. This rapid drop of 15,000 feet, or 4.5 kilometers, was followed by further ascents and descents, causing significant turbulence for those onboard over Saudi Arabia.

It is believed that during this chaotic period, the Emirati captain gained control from the Omani co-pilot. Additional off-duty pilots and some passengers reportedly entered the cockpit and physically restrained the individual attempting to crash the plane. Following this intervention, the aircraft stabilized at 15,000 feet, but the emergency continued as the plane began broadcasting distress signals.

At 8:28 AM, seven minutes after the cockpit confrontation, the plane transmitted an emergency code 7700, indicating general emergency, near the Jordanian border. By 8:45 AM, the aircraft executed a U-turn over Jordan. One minute later, emergency code 7500, signifying hijacking, was declared.

Around 9:15 AM, the plane disappeared from radar and stopped transmitting. Shortly before 10:00 AM, the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Saudi security forces apprehended the suspect pilot for investigation upon landing. Emergency teams provided initial assistance to the Israeli passengers, who were then moved to a separate terminal before their eventual return to Israel. Reports indicate that a passenger entered the cockpit and restrained the perpetrator, stating, "I pulled the yoke and stopped the dive."