Live: FlyDubai suspends flights to and from Israel after pilot attack

The Israeli embassy has revealed that an Australian couple were among the passengers on a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv that was unexpectedly diverted following an attack by one of the pilots on the other. The passengers identified are a Jewish couple from Sydney, confirmed by the Israeli embassy in Australia to the Guardian. The flydubai aircraft was en route from the United Arab Emirates to Israel when it was compelled to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The attack allegedly took place during the flight, causing the plane to plummet approximately 17,000 feet in under two minutes. Passengers, including Yaniv Hayoun, recounted the harrowing experience, stating they overheard screams and felt pressure as the plane dove before entering the cockpit and apprehending the attacker, who was attempting to disable the plane by tampering with its instruments.

Israeli officials described the incident as reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks. Hillel Newman, Israel's ambassador to Australia, praised the bravery of the passengers who managed to subdue the attacker, emphasizing that the event highlighted the dangers posed by those who oppose peace and the Abraham Accords. The Australian government has issued heightened security alerts in response to the incident.

Both Israel and the UAE have significant populations of Australian citizens, with around 12,000 in Israel and 25,000 in the UAE.