Pilot allegedly stabbed in attempt to crash Tel Aviv-bound plane

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu detailed the harrowing incident involving a Flydubai plane that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot of the flight deliberately attempted to crash the aircraft while it was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane, carrying primarily Israeli passengers, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia following the emergency.

Netanyahu revealed that the co-pilot had been apprehended by Saudi authorities and was presently under interrogation. The suspect overpowered two crew members who had entered the cockpit and managed to stabilize the plane. Flightradar24 data indicated the aircraft plummeted approximately 14,000 feet in just 30 seconds during the incident.

Israeli officials described the incident as a potential terror attack, although Netanyahu refrained from using that specific term. The captain and first officer were injured and transported to a local hospital. Flydubai confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for, emphasizing that the incident's motives were currently unknown.

The airline stated that on-duty crew members had secured the aircraft during the incident. This event unfolded amid heightened security concerns across the Middle East.