New details are emerging from the terrifying incident aboard the flydubai flight to Israel, including reports that an emergency axe kept inside the cockpit was used during the violent struggle between the pilots.

According to an initial investigation cited by Israeli media, the Emirati pilot who fought the alleged attacker — with assistance from Israeli passengers — used an emergency axe designed for breaking cockpit windows during the confrontation, striking the copilot with the tool.

Investigators reportedly believe it is highly unlikely that the copilot could have brought an axe aboard the aircraft, given the stringent security screenings undergone by flight crews. However, authorities are also examining the opposite scenario — that the copilot allegedly seeking to carry out the attack may have been the one who used the axe against the pilot attempting to stop him.

Israeli security officials increasingly believe the copilot intended to deliberately crash the aircraft and kill the Israeli passengers aboard.

Meanwhile, a replacement aircraft dispatched by flydubai arrived in Saudi Arabia to return the stranded passengers to Israel, with a planned arrival at Ben Gurion Airport between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.

However, some of the passengers — still shaken by the horrifying ordeal — reportedly refused to board another flydubai aircraft and expressed serious concerns about flying with the airline.

One passenger told Ynet as boarding began: “They’re starting to put us on a plane.”

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier instructed the IDF to prepare military aircraft for a possible rescue mission, although it remained unclear whether those aircraft would ultimately be dispatched.

The investigation into precisely what occurred inside the cockpit remains ongoing, including which pilot used the emergency axe during the struggle.

B’chasdei Hashem, Israeli passengers helped bring the terrifying incident under control, and the original aircraft ultimately made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)