Edward Marchesi On September 30, 2026, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated by the Emirati low-cost airline FlyDubai (flight FZ1073) took off from Dubai International Airport bound for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. There were 174 people on board , including 166 Israelis , plus two crew members traveling as passengers. After initial climb, the aircraft was overflying Jordan when its transponder transmitted the emergency code 7700 followed by 7500 , indicating unlawful interference, before returning to 7700 a few minutes later.
Emergency signals and loss of altitude
According to flight data, the aircraft rapidly lost about 17.000 feet in just sixty seconds , descending from nearly 34.000 feet . The sudden loss of altitude triggered a hijacking alert, prompting authorities to deploy two Israeli fighter jets, which flew over the area to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, passengers heard unusual noises and the voice of a pilot shouting, a sign that something serious was happening in the cockpit.
The conflict in the cockpit
Stories from those present tell that, during the flight, one of the two members of the flight crew – identified as an Omani pilot – grabbed a knife and stabbed the Emirati pilot.
The attacker allegedly attempted to push his colleague out of the cockpit, attempting to crash the plane. Some passengers in the front rows, armed with the earphone cord, attempted to restrain the armed pilot, dragging him out of the control area. A doctor on board administered first aid to the injured man, whose condition was described as serious but stable.
Passengers' intervention and landing in Tabuk
After civilian intervention, two pilots from the same airline, who were also passengers, took control of the aircraft. The first pilot restored stability and, steering the aircraft, managed to land it at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia at 9:45 a.m. local time . No passengers were injured during the landing, and all were met by Saudi personnel, who provided immediate medical care to the injured and ensured the transportation of the Israeli passengers to Tel Aviv.
Reactions from Israeli authorities
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement in which he described the heroes on board as responsible for preventing a possible terrorist attack, praising the passengers' "courage and resourcefulness." Defense Minister Katz called an urgent meeting to assess the situation, calling it a "jihadist attack attempt." Transport Minister Miri Regev also called for the suspension of FlyDubai flights to and from Israel, while leader Ben Gvir called for intensified military operations. The possibility of external involvement has not been confirmed, but Jerusalem security forces are investigating all avenues, including that of a suicidal act by the pilot.