Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down the flydubai plane if it had pressed on towards Tel Aviv in the wake of a cockpit stabbing attack, a CBS News report said. Flight 1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar.

The jet then lost 16,000 feet of altitude in just over 30 seconds, sparking fears inside Israel that the incident could amount to a hijacking or an attack at the country. Israeli Air Force personnel attempted to reach the cockpit but received no answer.  A pre-set emergency system was engaged, a command centre was formed and Israeli airspace was sealed while fighter jets were scrambled.