Flight Timeline and Emergency Descent
Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai at 6:05 a.m. local time, heading west toward Ben Gurion Airport. According to flight tracking data cited by CNN, the aircraft maintained its course until 8:20 a.m., when it began losing altitude rapidly and executed a sharp northern turn.
The flight transmitted emergency distress code 7700 at 8:31 a.m., followed four minutes later by code 7500, the international signal for an aircraft hijacking. The plane crossed into Jordanian airspace, looped back over Saudi airspace, and ultimately touched down safely at Tabuk Airport at 9:54 a.m.
Cockpit Stabbing and Passenger Intervention
Two Israeli officials told CNN that the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain inside the cockpit. Passengers on board recounted scenes of panic. One passenger, interviewed by Israeli media outlet i24, described hearing screams and seeing a large amount of blood after the cockpit door opened.
Photographs circulating on social media showed a male passenger wearing a blood-stained shirt and jeans. According to accounts given to Israeli media by fellow travelers, passengers intervened and helped subdue the attacker before the plane could be completely compromised.
Security Investigations and Regional Implications
Saudi Arabia’s leading aviation operator, Cluster2, confirmed that both the captain and co-pilot sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital following the landing, as noted by Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his schedule to convene emergency security consultations with defense officials, according to DW.
Israeli agencies, including Shin Bet, Mossad, and the Ministry of Transportation, have opened a joint inquiry. Investigators are examining how an Omani pilot obtained security clearance to operate a commercial route to Israel, given that Oman and Israel do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. Israeli officials are also exploring options to dispatch a military or civilian aircraft to repatriate the stranded passengers from Saudi territory.