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Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport bound for Ben Gurion Airport with approximately 180 passengers and crew members, including around 150 Israelis. About two hours into the flight, while the Boeing 737 was cruising at approximately 34,000 feet, a violent confrontation broke out between the two pilots. According to the emerging investigation, the Omani co-pilot repeatedly stabbed the captain and apparently attempted to take control of the aircraft.

The situation quickly became critical. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft suddenly plunging roughly 17,000 feet in less than a minute before recovering somewhat and then losing altitude again. The plane was no longer maintaining a normal flight path, and emergency signals were transmitted, including code 7500, the international signal for hijacking or unlawful interference.

Israeli authorities immediately treated the situation as a potentially catastrophic security threat and scrambled fighter jets.

As the aircraft descended, passengers realized something was seriously wrong. According to passengers quoted in Israeli media, several Israelis rushed toward the cockpit, broke in and confronted the attacker. They managed to overpower and restrain him, while other pilots who happened to be traveling as passengers helped take control of the aircraft. One passenger described the plane as having been essentially out of control during the incident. Others recalled saying Shema Yisroel, thinking they might not survive.

The plane then changed course toward Saudi Arabia and eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Saudi airport authorities confirmed that both pilots were injured and taken to a hospital, while all passengers were accounted for and assisted in the terminal.

The suspected attacker was arrested by Saudi authorities.

Images from after the landing showed damage to the aircraft’s rudder, while passengers were seen with blood on their clothing following the violent struggle.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot apparently attempted to crash the plane with everyone aboard and praised the passengers and crew who intervened, saying they prevented a major disaster.

Israeli officials are now investigating the incident as an attempted terror attack, with growing indications that the co-pilot intended to seize control of the aircraft and bring it down.

The suspect was identified by an Israeli official as an Omani national.

After approximately eight hours on the ground, the passengers departed Saudi Arabia aboard a replacement Flydubai aircraft and continued their journey to Israel. Flydubai said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.

A Tremendous Miracle

The full picture is difficult to comprehend: a violent attack in the cockpit, a passenger aircraft suddenly plunging thousands of feet, a hijacking emergency signal, fighter jets being scrambled—and yet every passenger survived.

The courage of the passengers and crew who rushed into the cockpit at the most dangerous moment and helped wrest control of the aircraft undoubtedly played a crucial role in preventing catastrophe. What could have become an unimaginable mass-casualty disaster ended with the plane safely on the ground and the passengers alive.

It was a tremendous miracle in the skies.

The investigation will determine exactly what motivated the attacker and what he intended to accomplish, but the outcome is already clear: a devastating tragedy was narrowly prevented.

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