Flydubai’s Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after pilot attack

Flydubai flight diverted after cockpit incident

A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a serious incident involving its pilots. More than 170 Israeli passengers were reportedly on board the aircraft.

Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed the pilot and then tried to crash the aircraft. Passengers and crew members intervened, while another set of pilots later landed the plane safely in Tabuk.

Passengers help stop the co-pilot

According to Israeli officials, passengers entered the cockpit after the aircraft suddenly went into a rapid descent. They reportedly found the co-pilot trying to interfere with the plane’s systems.

Netanyahu quoted a passenger as saying that passengers ⁠along with a member of the crew broke into the cockpit after the aircraft "entered a tailspin and began to dive" and found the co-pilot "trying to sabotage the plane's systems".

"All passengers are out of harm's way," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office. He also ordered tighter security on both Israeli and non-Israeli carriers flying into ​Israel.

Plane lands safely in Saudi Arabia

The aircraft landed at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia after sending emergency signals. Both pilots were taken to hospital after suffering injuries, according to the airport.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft suddenly dropped nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The passengers later left Saudi Arabia for Israel on a replacement flydubai aircraft after spending about eight hours on the ground.

Investigation begins into cockpit attack

The co-pilot, whom an Israeli official identified as an Omani national, was arrested after the aircraft landed. Israel’s Transport Ministry said a joint investigation would be carried out with the defence establishment.

Flydubai said the reasons behind the incident were still unknown and warned against "premature speculation". The airline described the event as an "incident" and said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.

Security concerns rise

The incident has prompted Israel to announce tighter security measures for flights entering the country. Netanyahu’s spokesperson said authorities would check the identities of pilots operating flights into Israel.

The incident has also raised questions about aviation security, while authorities continue to investigate what caused the confrontation between the two pilots. The exact motive behind the incident remains unclear, and flydubai has urged people not to make premature conclusions.

The flydubai flight incident ended with the aircraft landing safely, but it has raised serious questions about cockpit security and passenger safety. Investigators are now working to establish exactly what happened inside the aircraft and why the confrontation began.

The airline has said the reasons remain unknown, while Israeli officials have provided details about the alleged attack. The final findings will depend on the ongoing investigation.

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