According to CNN, the mid-air struggle caused the aircraft to descend rapidly by 16,600 feet in just two minutes, while a Squawk 7700 emergency code—typically utilized for aircraft hijacking or major distress—was transmitted to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The signal triggered immediate security mobilization across Israeli aviation authorities before the flight altered course toward Saudi airspace. Unconfirmed reports carried by the Times of Israel suggest one pilot sustained a stab wound during the altercation, while other international outlets reported the second pilot intervened to stop an intentional crash attempt. Passengers aboard told Israel’s Channel 12 that shouting was audible from the front section prior to the steep plunge. Flydubai confirmed its teams are collaborating with aviation investigators, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency cabinet session, issuing a statement confirming all 180 passengers are safe under Saudi security supervision and arrangements for their return are underway.