FlyDubai Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Incident

TEL AVIV: A FlyDubai passenger aircraft traveling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after one pilot reportedly stabbed another and allegedly attempted to crash the plane, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Associated Press.

The aircraft, carrying dozens of Israeli passengers, issued an emergency alert and rapidly descended from approximately 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet before making an erratic turn near the Jordanian border and landing safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

According to Netanyahu, passengers and crew members intervened after the altercation in the cockpit. A passenger and a crew member reportedly entered the cockpit as the aircraft began to descend, while other crew members subsequently took control of the flight. Passengers familiar with the incident also described hearing screams and signs of distress.

The aircraft’s captain and first officer were injured in the incident, according to a statement from the airport in Tabuk carried by Saudi state television. Passengers received medical attention after landing.

Israeli authorities briefly scrambled fighter aircraft after receiving information about the incident amid concerns that the flight could have been hijacked. FlyDubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck and said the aircraft was secured by crew members before being diverted and landed safely.

Netanyahu said Saudi authorities had arrested the pilot involved, although Saudi officials had not immediately issued a public statement confirming details of the arrest. The identity and motive of the pilot were not immediately disclosed.

The incident comes as Israel faces heightened security concerns ahead of the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack and amid preparations for upcoming national elections.

Saudi Arabia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, but the kingdom lifted its longstanding ban on Israeli aircraft flying over its territory in 2022. Saudi Arabia has previously facilitated emergency landings involving Israeli passengers, including an incident in 2023.