Israeli defense forces were prepared to shoot down a Flydubai passenger plane if it had continued its trajectory towards Tel Aviv, following an alleged attack by the co-pilot in the cockpit. The incident involved Flydubai Flight 1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with over 150 Israeli nationals on board.
Crisis Unfolds Mid-Flight
According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft while approaching Israeli airspace. The plane reportedly plunged 14,000 feet during the struggle. In response, the Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets, closed its airspace, and activated a command center to monitor the situation.
Israeli fighter jets attempted to make contact with the cockpit, but received no response. A committee was formed to assess the threat. Protocol dictates that a rogue flight approaching Israel, remaining silent and making no demands, could be shot down to prevent a catastrophic impact on high-value targets like the Azrieli buildings or Ben Gurion Airport.
Intervention and Emergency Landing
The crisis was averted when the captain managed to fight off the co-pilot long enough to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers and Flydubai staff on board then intervened, overpowering the alleged attacker. Two off-duty pilots who happened to be on the flight took control of the aircraft and executed an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
After the plane turned towards Saudi Arabia, Israel recalled its jets, and Saudi Arabia then scrambled its own fighter jets to escort the aircraft. The co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al Hamami, is currently undergoing interrogation in the UAE. Investigators believe he had planned the attack before joining Flydubai, intending to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport. While the investigation is ongoing, early indications suggest it was likely a lone-wolf attack.