Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a pilot on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv stabbed the other pilot and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft while it was in flight.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying mostly Israeli passengers. According to Netanyahu, the aircraft began plunging after the confrontation, prompting a passenger and a crew member to enter the cockpit and help subdue the alleged attacker. The aircraft was eventually diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities arrested the suspected attacker, while both pilots were taken to hospital for treatment. Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck but said the motive remained unknown and was subject to an official investigation.
Netanyahu described the incident as a serious security event and said he had instructed Israel’s security establishment to prepare for “potential additional threats.” Israeli authorities said aviation security measures would be strengthened as investigations into the incident continue.
