1 hr ago
Flydubai Flight Diverted After Cockpit Attack Triggers Terror Probe
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a fight reportedly began in the cockpit.
Reports said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a knife.
The plane then lost altitude quickly and sent emergency signals.
Passengers heard shouting and some went to help the crew.
Other pilots traveling as passengers also reportedly assisted.
The alleged attacker was restrained, and the plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Both pilots were taken to a hospital.
Everyone on board was reported safe.
Israeli authorities are investigating whether the incident was a deliberate terror attack or had another cause.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted from Dubai to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent cockpit confrontation.
Reports said an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a knife and tried to seize control.
Passengers, other crew members and off-duty pilots reportedly restrained the alleged attacker and helped stabilize the aircraft.
Flight data showed a rapid descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds and emergency codes including 7500.
All passengers were reported safe, while Israeli authorities investigated a possible terror attack alongside other explanations.
- Who
- The Flydubai captain, an Omani co-pilot, passengers, other crew members and investigators were involved; reports differed on the captain’s nationality, describing him as Indian in some accounts.
- What
- A violent cockpit confrontation allegedly involving a knife attack and an attempted takeover of the aircraft triggered emergency procedures and a diversion.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai toward Tel Aviv when the incident occurred over the region between Jordan and Saudi Arabia; it landed at Tabuk Airport.
- When
- Wednesday, during flight FZ1073.
- Why
- The motive and cause remain under investigation; Israeli authorities were examining a possible terror attack and other explanations.
Intentional Attack Assessment
Alternative Explanations And Unconfirmed Details
Cause of the confrontation
Intentional Attack Assessment
Israeli officials were reported to be shifting toward the assessment that the incident may have been an attempted terror attack by one of the pilots, possibly involving an attempt to crash the aircraft.
Alternative Explanations And Unconfirmed Details
Authorities have not conclusively established a terrorist motive, and reports said possibilities including a mental-health crisis or another form of unlawful interference were still being examined.
Pilot identities and roles
Intentional Attack Assessment
Israeli media reports described the alleged attacker as an Omani co-pilot and the other pilot as Indian or of Indian origin.
Alternative Explanations And Unconfirmed Details
The reports acknowledged differing accounts of the pilots’ nationalities, and Flydubai had not independently confirmed their identities or the circumstances.
How the aircraft was saved
Intentional Attack Assessment
Accounts said passengers, additional crew members and off-duty pilots intervened, restrained the alleged attacker and helped prevent a possible crash.
Alternative Explanations And Unconfirmed Details
The precise sequence of events inside the cockpit remains under investigation, including who controlled the aircraft at each stage.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073, a Boeing 737 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Diversion
- The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia
- Emergency signals
- The plane transmitted emergency codes including 7700 and 7500; 7500 indicates unlawful interference
- Altitude loss
- Flight-tracking data cited in the reports showed a descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds
- People aboard
- Reports estimated roughly 150 to 180 people were on board, with all passengers accounted for
- Pilot injuries
- Both pilots were reported injured and taken to hospital; one report described the stabbed pilot as being in critical condition
- Investigation
- Mossad, Shin Bet, the Israel Defense Forces and Israel’s Transportation Ministry were reported to be involved
Quotes
Yasmin Abukasis
Mother of passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon, speaking to AFP about her daughter's account
“She said one pilot tried to kill the other pilot with a knife. They heard shouting.”
freepressjournal.in
“She started screaming 'come help' and some people went in and caught the guy.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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