Israel Considered Shoot-Down Order for Flydubai Flight Experiencing Hijacking Attempt
It has been reported that Israeli fighter jets prepared to shoot down a Flydubai flight that transmitted a distress signal following a co-pilot's cockpit takeover attempt, but the decision was abandoned after the aircraft diverted toward Saudi Arabia.
It has been disclosed that Israeli authorities took action after an Omani co-pilot attempted to crash the Dubai-departed Flydubai aircraft by stabbing the captain. When the plane failed to respond to radio calls, fighter jets were scrambled, but the aircraft successfully made a safe landing after changing its route toward Saudi Arabia.
Development of the Incident and the Cockpit Struggle
While the flight departing from Dubai was in Jordanian airspace, Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked captain pilot Smit Machchhar with a knife in an attempt to crash the plane.
Israel's Emergency Protocols
According to a CBS News report, when the aircraft rapidly lost about 18,000 feet of altitude and failed to respond to radio calls, the Israeli Air Force activated pre-determined protocols and scrambled fighter jets.
The Aircraft's Diversion to Saudi Arabia
When the plane turned toward Saudi Arabia instead of Israel and Saudi fighter jets also scrambled in the region, the scale of the crisis shifted and the operation changed direction.
Intervention by Passengers and Crew
As a result of the Indian pilot's struggle with the attacker, the cockpit door was opened; passengers and airline staff neutralized the attacker while two off-duty pilots took control of the plane.
Discussions on Israel's Shoot-Down Decision
Officials stated that the aircraft could have been shot down with the prime minister's approval against the risk of crashing into critical facilities, but this step was unnecessary as the route was changed before entering the border.
Current Status of the Investigation
It was reported that the suspect, who is in custody in the United Arab Emirates, stated that he planned the attack in advance, and the investigation into the incident is continuing comprehensively.