On a flight set to depart Israel, a sudden 17,000‑foot plunge occurred after an alleged violent attack between the pilot and his co‑pilot.
A first‑class passenger, whom the BBC spoke to, described the descent as “like a rollercoaster.” The aircraft, a narrow‑body commercial jet, lost around 5,200 m in less than two minutes.
Witnesses on board reported that passengers rushed to the cockpit, forcibly taking control, while two other crew members on the rear side reportedly steered the aircraft toward a safe landing.
The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where ground crews assisted in landing the aircraft and secured the cockpit from further incidents.
Airlines and regulators are investigating the incident to determine the sequence of events and to assess the adequacy of cockpit security procedures, particularly in light of growing concerns over crew violence aboard commercial flights.
The case underscores the importance of robust emergency protocols and clear communication channels between crew and passengers in crisis situations.
