FlyDubai suspends Israel flights
A savage cockpit brawl between two pilots on Tel Aviv-bound jet resulted in a passenger jet landing in Saudi Arabia
Dubai-based airline FlyDubai has temporarily halted flights to and from Israel following a diversion and emergency landing of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The incident, which occurred on September 30th, unfolded after a fight broke out in the cockpit, leading to the co-pilot allegedly stabbing the captain. The plane, carrying 174 people including mostly Israeli nationals, ultimately landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with no fatalities.
FlyDubai cited the ongoing investigation into the incident, prioritizing the safety and well-being of passengers, crew, and operations. The suspension comes amid strained relations between Israel and the UAE, exacerbated by the ongoing Gaza war and recent escalations in regional tensions following the US-led war against Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the attack to the co-pilot, believed to be either a terrorist or a mentally unstable individual, while US President Donald Trump suggested the co-pilot's motives were unclear.
Despite strained relations, the two nations maintain diplomatic, commercial, and security ties, with Netanyahu's recent visit to the UAE highlighting the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Flydubai cockpit incident came at ‘particularly sensitive’ time, Israel envoy says iol.co.za
- Israel vows to get to root of flydubai attack, no motive yet determined brecorder.com
- UAE and Israel launch probes after Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv forced down egyptindependent.com
- Ben-Gvir to demand extradition of flydubai pilot to Israel after attempted terror hijacking jpost.com
- Israel vows to get to root of flydubai attack, no motive yet determined al-monitor.com
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar stable after Flydubai flight cockpit attack business-standard.com
