A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an altercation broke out in the cockpit between the two pilots, triggering a midair emergency and fears of a hijacking. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, landed safely in Tabuk, and all passengers and crew were reported safe.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one pilot stabbed the other and apparently tried to crash the plane. Israeli media reported that the injured pilot was an Indian national, while the attacker was identified by Israeli outlets as an Omani national. The incident prompted Israeli fighter jets to scramble before the plane landed.
Flydubai said in a statement that an altercation occurred in the flight deck of FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The airline said the crew secured the aircraft and diverted it safely to Tabuk.
Passengers and crew ultimately overpowered the attacker, and the flight was later brought to Israel. The incident left passengers shaken but prevented what could have become a major disaster.
