Passenger on rerouted flydubai flight says pilot tried to crash plane

A passenger on a rerouted FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv claimed that one of the pilots attempted to crash the plane, leading to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, shortly after takeoff. According to the passenger, Miryam Shira Ohayon, the plane was "pretty much out of control" when one of the pilots tried to stab the other.

Both pilots sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital in Tabuk. The plane landed safely, and all passengers were accounted for with no other injuries reported. Israeli media reported that a fight broke out between the pilots, causing a distress signal to be activated. The Israeli military scrambled fighter jets following concerns of a possible hijacking, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations on the matter.

The incident took place amid heightened tension in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing regional war and upcoming Israeli elections.