A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, designated FZ1073, was the scene of a violent incident when one pilot stabbed the co‑pilot and attempted to hijack the aircraft. The Boeing 737, carrying about 180 passengers, was forced to descend almost 14,000 feet in less than half a minute before an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Passengers described the ordeal as terrifying, with blood‑stained bodies and screams. Several Israeli passengers entered the cockpit, overpowered the attacker and restored control, preventing what officials suspect was a terrorist attempt. The plane lost control, but the cabin crew and passengers managed to avert a catastrophic crash.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the suspect pilot was arrested and is being interrogated by Saudi authorities. The defence minister described the incident as a “jihadi terrorist attack attempt” and praised the bravery of the passengers who neutralised the threat. A Flydubai spokesperson said an altercation occurred in the flight deck and the aircraft was secured by on‑duty crew.
The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport, where both pilots were hospitalized. A replacement plane was dispatched to pick up the passengers. A second Flydubai flight, FZ1081, was diverted back to Dubai. FlightRadar reports an emergency call at 05:38 UTC announcing unlawful interference. The UAE has not yet commented on the incident, and Netanyahu has been engaged in crisis meetings with Israeli officials.
