Passengers foil attempted cockpit takeover on Flydubai flight

Photo — Alexander Gluschenko / Pexels

The Boeing 737 was carrying 174 people when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, causing the aircraft to descend nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Passengers reportedly entered the cockpit, restrained the attacker and helped the injured captain regain control before the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials said all passengers reached safety, while the UAE attorney general opened an inquiry into the incident, including possible terrorist activity or advance coordination. The reports available do not establish a confirmed motive.

Sources: Reuters, CNN, Anadolu Agency, Associated Press