What to know about FlyDubai cockpit clash as pilot is arrested

On Wednesday, a Flydubai flight FZ1073 carrying approximately 180 passengers experienced a mid-air emergency when one of its pilots was reportedly attacked in the cockpit. The aircraft began descending rapidly, losing around 17,400 feet in less than two minutes while en route towards Saudi Arabia. The dramatic drop left passengers fearing for their lives, as the aircraft was travelling at nearly 100 kts above its maximum operating speed.

Israeli authorities are investigating whether the incident was an attempted attack, although a terror-related motive has not been ruled out.

Passengers and crew members played a crucial role in preventing the situation from escalating. Two relief pilots traveling in the rear of the aircraft were asked to take control. Passengers near the front intervened and helped remove the attacker from the cockpit. A dentist on board provided emergency treatment to the injured pilot.

After stabilizing the aircraft, it was able to land safely at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a passenger and a crew member entered the cockpit and neutralized the pilot while he was attempting to interfere with the aircraft's systems. Footage circulating on social media shows an injured man and passengers with blood on their clothes, with one passenger hearing the pilot say, "You saved the plane."