Cockpit Altercation on Israel-Bound Flydubai Flight Triggers Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia; Both Pilots Wounded
DUBAI: After a serious violent physical altercation in the cockpit, allegedly followed by a knife attack, the aircraft making its way to Israel took a sudden emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
International and Israeli media reported that the co-pilot used a pocket knife to attack the captain and try to tamper with the controls of the aircraft during flight.
Relevant authorities are conducting full investigations into the incident. Key Highlights of the Mid-Air IncidentSquawking Emergency and Hijack Codes:
Flight-tracking information revealed that the aircraft initially sent out the general emergency code 7700 followed by a brief period of transmitting the international transponder code 7500, which is used for unlawful interference or hijacking, triggering a heightened security alert in the area.
Passengers and off-duty crew members intervened in the cabin to aid in restraining the individual involved and the aircraft’s flight path was changed and it was diverted to the northwest, in Saudi Arabia.
Hospitalization of Crew Members: Tabuk Airport authorities confirmed that the pilot and the co-pilot were injured during the struggle and were immediately rushed to the local hospital.
Safe Landing and Passenger Status: Flydubai administration stated that a safe landing had been taken at Tabuk Airport, while all passengers—including more than 150, including Israeli citizens—have been checked and accounted for, and a replacement plane is being arranged.