DUBAI — A Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after one of its pilots allegedly stabbed the other and apparently attempted to take control of the aircraft, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying more than 170 passengers. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Israeli officials said passengers and crew members intervened during the incident, while Saudi authorities arrested the pilot accused of the attack.

Netanyahu Says Pilot Apparently Tried to Crash the Aircraft

Netanyahu described the incident as a serious security event and said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain before apparently trying to crash the aircraft.

According to Netanyahu, passengers and members of the crew entered the cockpit after the aircraft began descending rapidly. They reportedly managed to overpower the suspected attacker and allow other crew members to regain control of the aircraft. Netanyahu said those who intervened prevented what could have become a major disaster.

Flight Suddenly Lost Thousands of Feet

Flight-tracking information showed an unusual and rapid change in the aircraft's altitude during the incident.

Reuters reported that Flightradar24 data showed the aircraft falling by nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds. Other reports said the Boeing 737 had been flying at approximately 33,000 feet before descending sharply toward 17,000 feet.

The sudden descent, combined with emergency signals from the aircraft, immediately raised concerns about a possible hijacking or serious security breach.

Emergency Signals Sent From the Aircraft

The aircraft reportedly transmitted the internationally recognized 7700 emergency code, followed by 7500, which is associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.

The aircraft then changed course and eventually headed toward Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Israeli authorities responded to the emergency by scrambling fighter aircraft while the situation remained unclear.

Passengers and Crew Entered the Cockpit

Netanyahu said a passenger and a crew member entered the cockpit as the aircraft was descending.

According to his account, passengers then helped subdue the suspected attacker while other crew members took over the aircraft's controls. Reports also said that some passengers who intervened had security or aviation backgrounds.

The incident reportedly left both pilots injured. Tabuk airport authorities said the captain and co-pilot were taken for medical treatment after the aircraft landed.

Aircraft Diverted to Saudi Arabia

Instead of continuing toward Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, the flight was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.

The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were taken from the plane while Saudi authorities secured the situation. According to Reuters, the passengers later departed Saudi Arabia for Israel aboard a replacement Flydubai aircraft.

The emergency landing was particularly notable because Saudi Arabia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, although Saudi airspace has been used by flights between Israel and other countries and the kingdom has previously handled emergency landings involving Israeli passengers.

Suspected Pilot Arrested in Saudi Arabia

Netanyahu said the pilot accused of attacking his fellow crew member was arrested after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.

Reuters reported that an Israeli official identified the alleged attacker as an Omani national, although details about the pilot's background and motive remained under investigation.

Saudi authorities were expected to question the suspect as investigators examined what happened aboard the aircraft.

Flydubai Urges Against Premature Speculation

While Israeli officials have described the incident as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft, Flydubai has taken a more cautious position.

The airline confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck and said its crew secured the aircraft before diverting and landing safely in Tabuk. Flydubai said the underlying reasons and motives remained unknown and were subject to a formal investigation.

This distinction is important because the investigation is still developing. The precise motive behind the confrontation has not been publicly established.

Israel Orders Additional Security Measures

Following the incident, Netanyahu ordered increased security measures for both Israeli and foreign airlines operating flights to Israel.

Israel's Transport Ministry also said a joint investigation would be conducted with the country's defence establishment. The incident prompted consultations among senior Israeli security officials as authorities assessed whether there could be additional risks.

Passengers Eventually Returned to Israel

Despite the dramatic events during the flight, the passengers were ultimately brought safely to Israel.

Reuters reported that the passengers remained in Saudi Arabia for approximately eight hours before departing aboard a replacement Flydubai aircraft.

Flydubai also confirmed that two replacement aircraft were sent to Tabuk to assist passengers and crew affected by the incident. The airline said the event did not disrupt its other scheduled operations.

What Remains Unknown?

Several important questions remain unanswered. Investigators still need to establish exactly how the confrontation began, why one pilot allegedly attacked the other, whether there was a deliberate attempt to crash the aircraft and how the aircraft's control systems were affected during the rapid descent.

Flydubai has specifically urged the public and media to avoid premature conclusions while authorities gather evidence.

PK-News.com Analysis of the Developing Story

The Flydubai incident has raised major questions about cockpit security after a routine Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight turned into an emergency over the region.

The confirmed sequence includes a cockpit altercation, injuries to both pilots, an abrupt descent, emergency signals, diversion to Saudi Arabia and the safe landing of the aircraft. Israeli officials have gone further, saying the co-pilot apparently attempted to crash the aircraft after stabbing the captain. Flydubai, however, has emphasized that the motive remains unknown and is being formally investigated.

The safe intervention by passengers and crew members, followed by the aircraft's landing in Tabuk, prevented the incident from developing into a larger aviation disaster. Authorities in Israel and Saudi Arabia are now expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation and determine the exact motive behind it.

This article was developed and researched by PK-News.com based on reports and official statements available on September 30, 2026. Further details may change as the investigation continues.