HIJACK CODE ACTIVATED: Data Shows Rapid Descent Then Unlawful Interference Alert
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New flight data shows the Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX carrying roughly 150 people plunged from 34,000 feet to 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds before the crew transmitted an emergency signal. The aircraft first broadcast a general emergency code and minutes later switched to 7500, the international signal for unlawful interference. The dramatic altitude loss occurred while the plane was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Bill Hemmer of Fox News walked through the timeline, highlighting how quickly the situation escalated inside the cockpit. Passengers and off-duty crew later described a violent altercation in which the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain in an apparent attempt to crash the jet. Those on board broke into the flight deck, subdued the attacker and helped restore control. The plane ultimately diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
All passengers were accounted for after the emergency landing, with no serious injuries reported among the travelers, many of whom were Israeli. Israeli fighter jets had been scrambled when the hijack signal appeared but stood down once contact was restored. Investigators continue examining the full sequence of events that produced the rapid descent and dual emergency codes. Video and passenger accounts from inside the cabin showed chaotic scenes with blood visible as the threat was neutralized. Security agencies are treating the incident as a deliberate attempt targeting the flight. The data-driven timeline has provided the clearest public picture yet of how close the aircraft came to disaster before passengers and crew regained command.