What happened
A midair attack occurred on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot, an Omani national, allegedly stabbed the captain and fought for control of the aircraft, causing a dramatic descent. Israeli security officials are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack.
The plane, a Boeing 737 MAX, issued signals indicating a general emergency and unlawful interference. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft dropping thousands of feet in minutes before transmitting emergency codes. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled due to initial fears of a hijacking.
Both pilots were hospitalized with injuries, but all passengers and crew are accounted for. The incident has raised questions about aviation security, particularly when the threat comes from someone authorized to enter the cockpit.
An Israeli airline captain, Capt. Meidan Barr, warned that the incident could lead to changes in cockpit security, similar to those implemented after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Barr emphasized that the safe landing of the aircraft will make it easier to investigate the incident.
