A Flydubai passenger jet traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, September 30. The incident occurred after one of the pilots stabbed the other mid-flight and reportedly attempted to bring the aircraft down with roughly 150 people on board. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the incident in a statement, saying he had spoken directly with one of the Israeli passengers on board.
According to Netanyahu, the plane entered a spin and began to dive as it approached Israeli airspace. A passenger, acting alongside a crew member, forced their way into the cockpit and helped overpower the attacking pilot while he was reportedly attempting to sabotage the aircraft's systems. A separate crew member then took control and stabilized the plane. The passenger told Netanyahu that the plane went into a spin and began to dive, but they managed to neutralize the stabbing pilot.
The majority of passengers on board were Israeli nationals, making the incident particularly alarming given the sensitivity of air travel between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, a route that has only operated since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations in 2020. The incident triggered a distress alert and prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets as the aircraft diverted towards Saudi territory. Passengers reported screaming and bloodstains near the cockpit area during the ordeal.
The plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. As it touched down, passengers broke into a Jewish song and applauded in relief. The attacking pilot was arrested and handed over to Saudi authorities for interrogation. Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew who intervened, saying they had prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss of life.
Netanyahu added that Israeli security services had been directed to prepare for additional potential threats and that ongoing situation assessments were being conducted. Israeli authorities said they were in constant contact with relevant parties to ensure the safe return of all passengers. The incident highlighted the importance of airline security and the bravery of passengers and crew in emergency situations.
The incident was widely reported, and Netanyahu's statement was posted to X, providing details of the incident. The prime minister's statement included a firsthand account from a passenger who helped subdue the attacker. Netanyahu saluted the heroes who displayed exceptional resourcefulness and courage, saying they saved many lives and prevented a huge disaster.
In a separate incident, a Royal Air Force Hawk T2 training jet crashed near RAF Valley in Wales, prompting a temporary pause in Hawk T1 and T2 flying operations. Bystander footage showed both pilots ejecting seconds before the aircraft hit the ground and burst into flames. Authorities said both survived with minor injuries as a formal investigation began.
Key points
- A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a pilot stabbed the other mid-flight and attempted to crash the plane.
- The incident triggered a distress alert and prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets as the aircraft diverted towards Saudi territory.
- Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew who intervened, saying they had prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss of life.
