A Flydubai passenger flight traveling from Dubai to Israel was forced to make an emergency diversion after an alleged physical confrontation between the captain and co-pilot sent the Boeing 737 Max 8 into a dramatic descent. The aircraft, carrying around 150 passengers, reportedly dropped from approximately 34,000 feet to 14,000 feet in about two minutes, according to flight-tracking data. Passengers reportedly heard screaming inside the cockpit, while one account described a man with a knife allegedly forcing one of the pilots to the floor. Israeli officials said the pilots activated emergency signals during the incident, with the aircraft first transmitting a general emergency alert before another signal associated with a possible hijacking was sent. Both cockpit crew members were reportedly injured and later taken to hospital for treatment.

The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia at around 9:45 a.m. local time, with all passengers accounted for. Authorities arranged assistance for travelers while Flydubai worked on providing a replacement aircraft and alternative transportation to Israel. The exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear. Officials have considered several possibilities, including an attempted attack or a medical or mental health episode involving one of the pilots. Israel also scrambled fighter jets after receiving the emergency transmission, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Flydubai said it was cooperating with authorities and would provide additional information once confirmed. Despite the terrifying descent and injuries suffered by the pilots, the passengers escaped without reported serious harm, and officials said the potentially catastrophic situation had been brought under control.