Saudi Arabia, Jordan Denied Flydubai Flight Clearance Amid Mayday Call
Countries initially refused landing permission for a flight facing a hijacking attempt despite a distress signal.
Saudi Arabia and Jordan initially denied landing clearance for a flydubai flight experiencing a hijacking attempt, even after a "Mayday" call was broadcast from the cabin, according to reports.
After passengers intervened to protect the pilot from the co-pilot, a voice from the aircraft contacted Saudi air traffic control requesting permission to land, a source familiar with the call told The Associated Press. The transmission indicated that ambulances would be required upon landing.
Despite the urgent plea, the plane was redirected to Jordan's airspace, where it was allegedly instructed to await landing clearance from the Jordanian military. However, permission was reportedly denied, and the aircraft was subsequently turned away.
Diversion and Landing
The pilots were then compelled to divert back to Saudi Arabia, where a second landing request was eventually granted, directing the flight to Tabuk Airport. The reason for the initial denial of landing clearance was not provided by air traffic controllers.
Flydubai Flight 1073 was en route to Israel on Wednesday when the co-pilot, whose identity has not been publicly released, allegedly attacked the captain in an attempt to bring down the aircraft. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, sustained multiple stab wounds to the head, arm, and torso during the incident. Passengers reportedly heard screaming from the cockpit as the plane lost altitude significantly before they were able to regain control.
The aircraft ultimately landed safely in Tabuk. Captain Machchhar received medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition. Passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft and continued their journey to Tel Aviv, arriving several hours later.