A terrifying midair emergency unfolded aboard a Tel Aviv bound Flydubai flight after a pilot allegedly tried to crash the aircraft, triggering a violent struggle inside the cockpit and sending the plane plunging thousands of feet.
The aircraft reportedly dropped around 15,000 feet in about a minute as passengers screamed and chaos spread through the cabin.
Israeli officials said the co pilot allegedly attempted to force the plane toward the ground and attacked the captain when he tried to stop him.
The captain was reportedly stabbed during the confrontation.
Witness accounts also claimed the alleged attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the incident. Authorities have not yet independently confirmed that detail or established a motive.
As the aircraft rapidly lost altitude, crew members and passengers reportedly forced their way into the cockpit and helped overpower the suspect.
Other qualified pilots travelling on board then helped regain control of the aircraft.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
All passengers were reported safe.
The dramatic intervention by passengers and crew is being credited with helping prevent what officials say could have ended in catastrophe.
The injured captain received medical treatment, while the suspected attacker was taken into custody following the emergency landing.
Flight tracking information showed the aircraft experiencing a sudden and dramatic loss of altitude during the emergency.
Passengers later described frightening scenes inside the cabin as they struggled to understand why the aircraft was falling so quickly.
Israeli officials praised those who stepped in during the crisis, saying their actions helped bring the situation under control.
Flydubai has acknowledged a serious cockpit incident but said the circumstances and motive remain under investigation.
Authorities are now examining what happened inside the cockpit, why the confrontation began and whether the incident was connected to terrorism or another motive.
