Pilot Attempts to Crash Flight to Israel

A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel was diverted on Wednesday after an altercation in the cockpit that left both pilots injured and prompted an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for, according to flydubai.

Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia said both pilots were hospitalised after suffering injuries, according to Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident and said one pilot stabbed the other and “apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board.”

According to Netanyahu’s account, an Israeli passenger and a crew member entered the cockpit and subdued the pilot accused of carrying out the stabbing, while additional crew members entered and helped stabilise the aircraft.

“The pilot who carried out the stabbing has been detained and is being questioned by Saudi authorities,” Netanyahu said.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft experienced a sharp descent during the incident. According to Flightradar24, the Boeing 737-8 MAX dropped from about 34,000 feet to around 17,000 feet in roughly a minute.

Flydubai said it is working with the relevant authorities and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.