An Israel-bound Flydubai aircraft carrying about 180 passengers was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia after one of its pilots allegedly stabbed the co-pilot and attempted to interfere with the plane’s controls.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed the incident in a statement on his official X handle on September 30, 2026.
The aircraft, identified as Flight FZ1073, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident reportedly occurred as it approached Israel.
According to Netanyahu, the aircraft experienced a dangerous descent after the pilot allegedly attempted to interfere with its systems. Flight-tracking information cited by Reuters also showed a sudden loss of thousands of feet in altitude.
An Israeli passenger and a crew member reportedly entered the cockpit and confronted the pilot, while another crew member helped stabilise the aircraft.
The plane subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers and crew were reported safe, while Saudi authorities arrested the pilot accused of carrying out the attack for questioning.
The emergency also prompted Israeli fighter jets to take off after the aircraft reportedly transmitted a distress signal, amid initial concerns about a possible hijacking.
Flydubai confirmed that the flight had experienced an incident and landed safely in Tabuk, adding that it was cooperating with relevant authorities.
Netanyahu praised those who intervened during the emergency, while Israeli authorities maintained contact with Saudi officials over the passengers’ welfare and arrangements for their return.
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