Pilot stabbed another pilot before plane carrying Israelis plunged 16,000 feet, Netanyahu says

A FlyDubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel experienced a dramatic incident on Wednesday, when one pilot allegedly stabbed another pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft carrying dozens of Israeli passengers and crew. The plane, which was en route from Dubai, suddenly descended from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet within a minute before making an erratic circle near the Jordanian border and landing safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that two pilots fought and passengers and crew intervened to subdue the attacker, with the plane eventually making an emergency landing. Saudi Arabia arrested the pilot involved in the incident. Video footage showed injured pilots and wounded passengers on the floor of the plane, with medical personnel providing assistance.

Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew who showed courage in the situation, emphasizing that the incident prompted Israel to scramble warplanes as a precaution against a potential hijacking. The event raised concerns due to heightened security threats in Israel, which is nearing the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and is weeks away from an election.

The plane's captain and first officer were injured and taken to the hospital, while passengers received medical attention from local authorities.