Passengers overcame co-pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Netanya…

Incident Overview

A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a violent incident involving the pilots, according to passengers and officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video statement that "one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and apparently attempted to crash the plane with everyone on board," while lauding passengers and other crew members who intervened.

Cockpit Altercation and Flight Data

The incident occurred as the aircraft approached Israel. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft plummeted more than 17,000 feet in two minutes, and it transmitted an emergency alert shortly after takeoff, squawking code 7500 which signals an aircraft hijacking. Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon told reporters that the plane was "pretty much out of control" when the stabbing took place over Jordan, stating, "The co-pilot tried to murder the pilot and basically carry out a suicide attack on the plane." Another passenger, Ariel Oseran, posted a video message saying they needed help and describing the scene after the landing in Saudi Arabia.

Emergency Landing and Injuries

The plane diverted to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where there is a civilian airport adjacent to a Saudi military base. FlyDubai confirmed that "an altercation occurred in the flight deck" and that the aircraft "was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew traveling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely." While no passengers were injured, the pilot attacked by his fellow crewmember sustained stab wounds, and Saudi authorities said two crew members were hospitalized with unspecified injuries. According to Netanyahu, the pilot who carried out the stabbing was placed under arrest and was being questioned by Saudi authorities. Israeli sources told the press that the would-be attacker was an Omani national, though there was no immediate official confirmation of this detail from Saudi officials.

Investigation and Official Reactions

FlyDubai stated that "at this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation," urging parties to refrain from premature speculation. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described it as "an attempted jihadist terror attack," and an Israeli security official told CBS News that authorities were investigating whether the incident could have been an attempted terror attack and whether the attacker worked alone. Israeli officials also addressed the repatriation of the passengers. Relatives and media reports indicated that most stranded passengers boarded a replacement Flydubai plane sent to Tabuk to return to Tel Aviv, though an Israeli official stated that Saudi Arabia refused a request to send an Israeli military or civilian plane to collect the passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on the FlyDubai flight?

An altercation occurred in the flight deck during a flight from Dubai to Israel, during which one pilot stabbed another. Israeli officials stated the co-pilot attempted to crash the plane, while passengers and crew members intervened and subdued the attacker.

Where did the flight land?

The aircraft was diverted and made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

What are the motives behind the incident?

FlyDubai stated that the underlying reasons and motives are unknown and subject to a formal investigation, whereas Israeli officials have characterized the event as an attempted terror attack.