A pilot on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv stabbed his co-pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli officials. The incident occurred mid-flight, prompting the crew to divert the plane to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. The flight was initially heading to Israel but was forced to land in Saudi Arabia after the emergency alert was issued.
The airline confirmed the incident as an "incident" and stated it is investigating the matter. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the event was part of a terror plot. The pilot who allegedly attacked his colleague was arrested upon landing and is being questioned by Saudi authorities.
This is the second such incident involving FlyDubai pilots in recent months. In July 2023, a similar altercation occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, resulting in the plane being diverted to Saudi Arabia. The current incident has raised concerns about safety protocols on international flights.
The Israeli military scrambled warplanes in response to the emergency alert, highlighting the heightened security situation. The pilot involved in the stabbing is now under investigation by Saudi authorities. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential for in-flight security threats.
