Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots

A Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel experienced an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia after pilots engaged in a physical altercation, Israeli officials revealed on Wednesday. Initially transmitting a general emergency signal, the Boeing 737 then issued another emergency signal suggesting potential unlawful interference. The plane ultimately landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

No hijacking was suspected, according to the Israeli prime minister's office spokesperson. All passengers were accounted for and reported safe, though specific details about the incident remained undisclosed. The Israeli official, speaking anonymously, stated that the pilots' emergency signals were triggered during a physical fight between them.

One passenger, Yasmin Abu Kasis, who is Miriam Abu Kasis' mother, recounted hearing screams and witnessing a man forcefully subduing a pilot with a knife, leaving blood everywhere. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened consultations to address the situation, emphasizing that the matter was under control and efforts were underway to return the Israeli passengers to Israel, despite the lack of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Flydubai regularly operates flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv, a route favored by Israeli citizens. A similar incident occurred in September 2025 when a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Riyadh due to a medical emergency.