The flight, FD‑731, left Dubai at 1:00 p.m., carrying 170 passengers and 9 crew members. At 2:30 p.m., the co‑pilot, later identified as Omani national Hamam al‑Hamami, stabbed the captain and attempted to force the aircraft toward Israel, causing a sudden plunge of about 14,000 feet.
Israeli forces activated the 9/11‑style protocol at 2:45 p.m., scrambling two F‑35s and setting up a command centre. The jets were ordered to intercept but were recalled when radar data showed the aircraft pivoting toward Saudi Arabia, some 400 miles from the border. Saudi Arabia responded by scrambling its own fighter aircraft.
Crew members, aided by two off‑duty pilots, subdued the attacker and redirected the plane to Tabuk, where it landed at 4:30 p.m. All 170 passengers and crew emerged unharmed, and the aircraft was inspected for signs of sabotage.
Israeli officials say the attacker told UAE investigators he had planned to crash the jet at Ben Gurion Airport and that he had previously visited Israel. The alleged motive remains under scrutiny as investigators piece together al‑Hamami’s background.
The incident will be investigated by Israel’s security services, with the Defence Minister scheduled to review the decision to scramble jets before a formal report is released.