flydubai halts flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv after attempted hijacking

Flydubai has suspended all flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv following an attempted hijacking of a plane bound for Israel, leaving hundreds of Israeli passengers stranded in the United Arab Emirates. Emirati authorities launched an investigation into the incident, which also implicates Saudi Arabia. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

The assault caused the Boeing 737 MAX to plummet 15,000 feet in less than a minute, severing part of the rudder from its tail. Despite sustaining injuries, the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, fought back against the hijacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Two additional pilots, who were on board as a precautionary measure, took control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities subsequently detained the hijacker and questioned passengers and crew for approximately seven hours before arranging for a replacement plane to transport them to Tel Aviv.