Saudi Arabia rejected an Israeli request to send an aircraft to Tabuk Airport to bring back passengers from a Flydubai flight that made an emergency landing in the kingdom, according to CNN and other international media reports.
The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it was diverted to Tabuk following a serious incident involving the aircraft’s two pilots. Reports said concerns were raised about a possible hijacking after an altercation broke out inside the cockpit.
According to reports cited by US and international media, one pilot allegedly attacked the other with a knife and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Emergency signals reportedly remained active for around seven minutes during the incident, raising concerns about the safety of passengers and crew onboard.
The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport, where passengers were brought to safety. The incident prompted heightened security measures and an effort to arrange onward travel for those onboard.
Israeli authorities reportedly sought permission to send an aircraft to Saudi Arabia to transport the passengers back to Israel. Saudi Arabia, however, rejected the request, according to CNN.
The incident has drawn international attention because of both the unusual circumstances surrounding the flight and the involvement of Saudi Arabia, Israel and the UAE. .
Further details about the cockpit altercation and the circumstances that led to the emergency landing are expected to emerge as authorities investigate the incident.
