Israel Prepared to Shoot Down Flydubai Plane, Fighter Jets Scrambled After Hijack Alert

Tel Aviv: During the cockpit dispute on September 30 on flydubai flight FZ1073 going from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the situation became so serious that Israel dispatched fighter planes to stop the plane in case of possible hijacking. The flight first broadcast 7700 and then 7500 emergency code. The 7500 code indicates possible hijacking or unlawful interference with aircraft. Israeli fighter jets were withdrawn after the plane turned towards Saudi Arabia. 

Why was there a stir in Israel?

Flydubai's Boeing 737 Max-8 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. The plane flying at an altitude of about 34 thousand feet suddenly experienced a major change and started descending rapidly. According to flight tracking data, the plane descended thousands of feet in a short time. During this time, first 7700 and then 7500 codes were broadcast. Security agencies became more alert when the plane turned towards Saudi Arabia instead of going towards Israel. 

Why were fighter jets sent as soon as 7500 code was received?

According to Israeli security sources, when contact with the plane was not established, the Israeli Air Force dispatched fighter planes. At that time there were fears that the plane might be hijacked or that a situation might arise in the cockpit, which might pose a threat to the passengers and people on the ground. Israel had also started monitoring the situation at the level of its top officials to deal with the emergency. 

Why did the strategy change after the plane turned to Saudi Arabia?

As FZ1073 approached Saudi Arabia, the Israeli fighter jets were recalled. The plane finally had to make an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, there were about 174 people on board the plane. Two other pilots were also present on the plane, who later helped take over the plane and landed it safely in Tabuk.

What would have happened if the plane headed towards Israel?

According to reports, if the plane had continued towards Israel and it had become clear that it had been hijacked and there was no response from the cockpit, the situation would have been considered extremely serious. In such an extreme situation, options to stop the aircraft could have been considered. However, the final decision to shoot down the aircraft rested at the level of the Prime Minister and was an option used only in the most dire situations. 

What is the allegation against the co-pilot?

The Omani co-pilot in FZ1073 is accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machar inside the cockpit and trying to take control of the aircraft. Initial reports gave varying claims regarding the weapon, but later official information mentioned the use of an emergency axe. Despite the attack, the captain opened the cockpit door, after which passengers and some crew members rushed inside and helped control the accused. 

How was a major plane crash averted?

After controlling the co-pilot with the help of passengers and crew, the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Both the pilots, including Indian Captain Smit Machar, were taken to hospital for treatment. The investigation into the incident is now trying to find out why the co-pilot attacked, what his mental and professional background was and whether any organisation or outsider had a role in this incident. After this incident, Israel has also said that it will tighten the security checks of the pilots coming here.