DUBAI – An unusual situation reportedly unfolded in the cockpit of a flight travelling from Dubai to Israel, resulting in an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Reports said the aircraft descended from an altitude of 34,000 feet to around 17,000 feet in what appeared to be a rapid loss of altitude. The second pilot reportedly intervened during the incident.
One pilot treated the situation as an emergency and issued an emergency code, while the other pilot allegedly turned the aircraft sharply. An attempt by the second pilot to regain control reportedly met resistance.
The reports further said the two pilots allegedly became involved in a physical confrontation, during which the aircraft descended another 4,000 feet over approximately nine minutes. The second pilot reportedly activated a hijacking code after perceiving the other pilot’s actions as threatening. Cabin crew members also intervened.
Following the activation of the code, air traffic controllers on the ground were alerted. The aircraft was reportedly diverted through the region and brought into Saudi airspace before making an emergency landing in Tabuk.
Saudi security forces reportedly surrounded the aircraft on the runway after it landed.
The flight crew included a Russian pilot and a Ukrainian co-pilot. Both pilots have reportedly been removed from flight duty and taken into custody.
Authorities said an investigation into the incident is underway, with the aircraft’s black box being examined as part of the inquiry.
