The shocking news from a few hours ago is about a flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with about 180 Israeli passengers, got into trouble.
Soon after takeoff, the aircraft sent emergency code 7700. It later changed to code 7500, which indicates possible unlawful interference or hijacking. Israel responded by sending fighter jets.
The aircraft then changed course and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Reports later said the emergency was caused by a violent fight between the two pilots inside the cockpit.
The exact reason for the fight was not clear. Passengers reportedly heard shouting. One passenger said blood was seen inside the cockpit after the door opened.
Another report claimed that one pilot stabbed the other with a folding knife. Passengers and crew members reportedly helped stop the fight.
The aircraft also suddenly lost altitude during the incident. It dropped about 17,400 feet, from 34,000 to nearly 16,600 feet, in around two minutes. This increased fears of a hijacking. Israeli officials later said the situation was under control and all passengers were safe.
The flight finally landed in Saudi Arabia. The exact cause of the cockpit fight and the emergency signals remains under investigation.
