Pilot Stabbed Fellow Pilot in Cockpit of Israel-Bound Flight, Netanyahu Says

Pilot Stabs Fellow Pilot on Israel-Bound Flight

A Flydubai flight carrying mostly Israeli passengers was diverted to Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed another pilot and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was traveling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. The aircraft was carrying approximately 170 passengers and crew members.

Netanyahu said the attack happened as the plane was approaching Israel. According to his account, one pilot stabbed the second pilot and then apparently attempted to crash the aircraft with everyone on board. Passengers and crew members reportedly intervened and helped restrain the attacker.

Plane Diverted To Saudi Arabia

The aircraft issued emergency alerts and experienced a significant loss of altitude during the incident. The plane was subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Passengers and crew members were reported safe. Both pilots were injured and received medical treatment following the emergency landing.

Passengers reportedly moved toward the cockpit after realizing something was wrong. Israeli officials said passengers and another crew member helped overpower the alleged attacker and regain control of the situation.

Alleged Attacker Arrested

The pilot accused of carrying out the stabbing was arrested after the aircraft landed and was questioned by Saudi authorities.

An Israeli official said the alleged attacker was an Omani national. Authorities were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the pilot’s motive.

Israeli officials described the incident as a possible attempted terrorist attack. Israel’s defense minister called it an attempted jihadist terrorist attack, although the investigation into the incident was still ongoing.

Airline Says Investigation Is Underway

Flydubai confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck but said the reasons and motives remained unknown and were being investigated.

The airline said the aircraft was successfully secured by crew members who were traveling on the flight. The plane was able to land safely despite the emergency.

The incident prompted heightened security concerns as Israeli authorities worked to determine what had happened aboard the aircraft. Israeli fighter jets were also reportedly scrambled while officials assessed the situation.

The passengers were expected to continue their journey to Israel after the emergency landing. Authorities are continuing to investigate the stabbing, the alleged attempt to interfere with the aircraft’s controls and the motive behind the incident.