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Captain ‘stabbed by co-pilot’ as passenger plane suddenly changes course mid-flight in terror alert
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A commercial flight carrying dozens of passengers turned into a scene of terror after a physical fight broke out inside the cockpit between the two pilots.
FlyDubai flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on September 30 when the incident forced an unexpected diversion, per BBC News.
Around 90 minutes into the journey, the aircraft issued a squawk code of 7700 to indicate a general emergency. Minutes later, the transponder switched to code 7500, the international signal for unlawful interference or a potential hijacking. The alert caused immediate concern across the region as air traffic controllers monitored the escalating situation.
Passengers on board the flight reported hearing loud arguments and screams coming from the front of the cabin. The aircraft appeared to plunge into a sudden dive before the crew managed to regain control and land the Boeing 737 MAX 8 at Tabuk Regional Airport, a military and civilian facility in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Cockpit altercation sparks security scramble
Israeli authorities reacted immediately to the distress calls. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held an urgent meeting to evaluate the threat level. Airspace was temporarily restricted, and fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the passenger jet due to fears of an active hijacking attempt.
Witnesses described terrifying moments inside the aircraft as the emergency unfolded. A passenger told Israel’s Channel 12 after landing in Tabuk: “We heard screams on the plane. Then they opened the cockpit and we saw blood, and someone had stabbed the pilot with a pocketknife. We prayed. There were also moments when we thought we weren’t going to make it out alive.”
Senior security officials indicated that several passengers and crew members rushed the cockpit to help subdue the alleged attacker. Reports indicate the co-pilot, a foreign national, was taken into custody by local authorities upon landing to determine whether he attempted to crash the aircraft.
Authorities launch investigation after safe landing
Following the landing, airline officials confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safe and accounted for in Tabuk. FlyDubai announced plans to dispatch another aircraft to transport the stranded passengers to their final destination in Tel Aviv.
A FlyDubai spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "FlyDubai can confirm that flight FZ 1073 operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on September 30 experienced an incident while en route. The aircraft has landed safely in Tabuk Airport (TUU) and all passengers are safe and accounted for. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority."
The airline added, "Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities. Further updates will be issued as additional confirmed details become available." Aviation safety agencies and security teams continue to inspect the plane and interview crew members to determine the exact circumstances behind the conflict.