A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after a violent incident in the cockpit that initially triggered fears of a hijacking.
Flight FZ1073 transmitted multiple emergency signals, including one indicating unlawful interference, before rapidly descending and diverting to Saudi Arabia. All passengers were reported safe.
Israeli officials say one pilot stabbed the other
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one pilot stabbed the other and apparently endangered control of the aircraft. Reuters reported that Israeli officials were examining the possibility that the assault was an attempted terrorist attack, while the exact motive remained under investigation.
Associated Press reported that crew members and passengers helped subdue the attacker. Both pilots were hospitalized after the plane landed, and Saudi authorities detained the alleged attacker.
Hijacking fears triggered Israeli security response
The unlawful-interference signal prompted Israel to scramble military aircraft as authorities initially considered the possibility of a hijacking. Israeli security sources later said the emergency stemmed from the altercation in the cockpit rather than a conventional hijacking.
Netanyahu’s office said the situation was under control and that arrangements were being made to return the Israeli passengers home safely. Flydubai said passengers were safe and that it was cooperating with authorities.
Conflicting early reports circulated about the pilots’ identities and possible motives. The confirmed facts at publication are that the aircraft diverted safely, passengers were unharmed and an investigation into the cockpit assault is continuing.
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; Israeli Prime Minister’s Office; Times of Israel live updates.
