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The flight was diverted to Tabuk airport after transmitting emergency signals that briefly raised fears of a hijacking. Israeli authorities scrambled fighter jets as they struggled to establish contact with the aircraft.

According to reports, the Omani co-pilot allegedly tried to seize control of the aircraft stabing Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight. Despite sustaining injuries, the Captain fought back and prevented the plane from crashing. His quick thinking and courage ensured the safety of more than 180 passengers, most of them Israeli nationals.

The situation escalated when the Captain, injured but determined, managed to restrain the attacker long enough for two off-duty pilots traveling as passengers to intervene.

Together, they regained control of the cockpit and diverted the aircraft to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Israeli outlets YNet News and Channel 12 confirmed the Captain’s nationality as Indian, hailing him as a hero whose actions prevented a mass tragedy.

Preliminary reports in Israeli media suggested that the Omani pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft by forcing it into a steep descent from around 30,000 feet. The Indian pilot reportedly intervened, leading to a physical struggle inside the cockpit. The aircraft reportedly lost more than 17,000 feet in under 30 seconds during the incident.

Fluctuating between about -30,000 and +10,000 feet per minute. The aircraft briefly climbed to around 21,650 feet before descending below 14,000 feet and later stabilising at around 15,000 feet for an extended period.

Videos shared on social media purportedly show passengers screaming as the aircraft undergoes a sudden descent. In another clip, passengers appear to cheer after the situation aboard the aircraft seemingly comes under control.