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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. The footage has emerged amid reports of a violent confrontation between the pilots. However, the precise sequence of events captured in the videos could not be independently established.

Aviation experts have since underscored the gravity of the incident, noting that the foiled attempt could have mirrored the scale of the 9/11 attacks had the Captain not acted decisively. The incident has sparked renewed debate on aviation security and mental health checks for crew members. While investigations are underway, passengers and officials alike have praised the Captain’s extraordinary courage. His actions not only saved lives but also reaffirmed the critical role of pilots in ensuring aviation safety under extreme pressure.