Israeli authorities were prepared to shoot down a flydubai jet after it sent a hijack signal during an alleged attempt by co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami to seize and crash the Israel-bound aircraft, CBS News reported. The plane, carrying more than 170 people, most Israelis, plunged nearly 18,000 feet before fighter jets scrambled and airspace was closed. Israel reportedly activated a hijacking protocol, including cockpit and cabin checks if communication failed. Sources said a rogue flight approaching Israel could be shot down, but only the prime minister could authorize the decision. Before that happened, the aircraft turned toward Saudi Arabia, while Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers overpowered the attacker. It landed in Tabuk. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have moved to activate the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, announcing immediate steps to prepare and deploy military forces and defence assets to Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks. The decision followed emergency talks in Riyadh involving political and military officials from all three countries. The pact, signed on August 7, is partly modelled on NATO’s Article 5, treating an armed attack against one member as an attack against all three. A joint statement said the Strategic-Political and Defence Committee would move immediately to practical implementation of mutual defence commitments. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are expected to coordinate military personnel and defence systems as regional tensions intensify.

Yemen’s Houthis on Monday warned international airlines against operating in Saudi airspace, saying the kingdom’s skies could become a “theater of operations” amid escalating military confrontation. The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center claimed Saudi military aircraft were attacking Houthi-held areas and said Saudi airspace should be considered unsafe for civilian aviation. The statement did not specify when or where potential operations could occur or identify affected airports or air corridors. Saudi authorities did not immediately respond. The warning came as fighting intensified, with a Saudi-led coalition launching large-scale air operations and Yemeni government forces announcing a “strategic offensive” on Houthi-held Sanaa. The coalition said 100 fighter jets participated in Operation Dawn of Yemen. (PC: X)

Russia is facing fears of a possible plague outbreak after a laboratory worker died following an illness described by officials as “pneumonia of unknown aetiology.” Darya Shipilova, 28, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute and became unwell during a field expedition in Buryatia, near Mongolia. She was hospitalised on September 29, placed on a ventilator and died two days later in Shelekhov. Several hospitals in Irkutsk reportedly restricted movement of staff and patients, while more than 60 of Shipilova’s colleagues remained inside the research institute. Russian authorities said there was no confirmed plague case and the situation was stable. Neighbouring countries were enhancing health checks, while the United States monitored developments. (PC: AP)

A Russian drone strike caused a fire on a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel carrying Indian and Azerbaijani nationals in the Black Sea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Zelensky said two Russian drones struck the vessel, which was carrying corn and operating in neutral waters. The ship’s captain was killed, while 11 crew members were rescued, one of them injured. Zelensky said the fate of another person was still being established. He called for pressure to restore global food security and said Ukraine had repeatedly proposed measures to de-escalate tensions and improve Black Sea security. The attack comes amid escalating strikes on commercial shipping and port infrastructure during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India has recently increased efforts to engage both Kyiv and Moscow.

The US has withdrawn its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK after new security threats were reported. The Pentagon said the aircraft were moved back to the US. British officials said the base remains safe. US Vice President JD Vance said the move was made as a precaution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said moving military aircraft is normal during exercises and redeployments. The decision came after an earlier security incident near the base. Several people were arrested and later released on bail. Iran has denied involvement. The UK and US are investigating the incident and reported threats.  

British Airways flight BA295 from London Heathrow to Chicago declared an emergency over Ireland after squawking 7700 and rapidly descending from about 37,000 feet to 9,000 feet. The Boeing 777 then reversed course towards Heathrow and was seen flying in circles while reducing its fuel load before landing back in London. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft had dropped nearly 28,000 feet within minutes, although the reason for the emergency and rapid descent was not immediately clear. Flightradar24 said the circling was likely intended to burn fuel and reduce the aircraft’s weight before landing. Long-haul aircraft carry substantial fuel, and holding patterns can also be used for congestion, weather delays or operational issues. BA295 has now landed at Heathrow.

Pakistan’s federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule or a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) begins a long march to Islamabad. PTI Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the march from Lakki Marwat on October 4, demanding the release of jailed party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The march began after negotiations between PTI and the federal government ended in deadlock. Led by Afridi, the protesters reached Karak district late Sunday, around 256 kilometres from Islamabad. Federal authorities have accused the PTI of “facilitating terrorists” and criticised the provincial government over terrorism and security cooperation. Government sources told Dawn that the imposition of emergency was “imminent”.

A British Airways flight from London to Chicago declared an emergency over Ireland on Monday. Flight BA295 sent the 7700 emergency signal, used for serious situations. The Boeing 777 had been flying at about 37,000 feet before descending to around 9,000 feet in about 9.5 minutes. The aircraft then turned back towards London Heathrow. Flight-tracking data showed the plane circling over the Bristol Channel as Heathrow prepared for an emergency landing. The aircraft was also reported to be dumping fuel to reduce its weight. The reason for the emergency has not been confirmed. Further details are awaited.  

Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, 29, allegedly planned to crash a Flydubai plane into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, according to reports citing his interrogation in the UAE. Ynet reported he meant to kill Indian captain Smit Machchhar, keep flying normally, take landing clearances and then hit a building or aircraft. He allegedly attacked the captain with a cockpit axe over Jordan on September 30. Machchhar survived and opened the cockpit door, letting crew and passengers restrain him. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu has ordered a review of foreign aviation security, and questions remain over how al-Hammami was cleared to fly.