A routine flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a terrifying emergency.
A physical confrontation between the pilots reportedly sent the aircraft plunging thousands of feet. The aircraft then diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Israeli officials said the co-pilot is believed to have stabbed the captain in what they described as a possible attempted “terror attack”.
However, another Israeli official said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking, leaving key details still under investigation.
So what happened inside the cockpit?
Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 dropped nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before emergency signals were transmitted.
Cockpit Incident Investigated
Flightradar24 later recorded a signal indicating possible unlawful interference.
Cabin crew reportedly entered the cockpit and took control as the aircraft diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
All passengers were accounted for, while both pilots were taken to hospital with injuries.
Reports from passengers described screams, a man holding a knife and blood inside the cockpit.
Reuters could not independently verify some of the claims or images circulating online.
The conflicting accounts have triggered security consultations in Israel, while authorities work to establish exactly what happened.
For the passengers, the destination suddenly mattered less than one thing: getting safely back on the ground.
