A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an alleged violent altercation between the two pilots left the captain injured and triggered a dramatic emergency aboard the aircraft.
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel when the incident occurred. The Boeing 737 was carrying more than 170 passengers, according to reports, and ultimately landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. All passengers were reported safe.
Israeli officials said the co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain before apparently attempting to take control of the aircraft. The captain was identified by multiple reports as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and Flydubai captain. Both pilots were taken to hospital following the incident.
The situation became particularly alarming when flight-tracking data showed the aircraft undergoing a rapid descent. Reuters reported that the plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before an emergency signal was transmitted. The aircraft later transmitted a code associated with unlawful interference.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, passengers and a crew member entered the cockpit during the crisis and helped restrain the co-pilot. A second crew then assisted in bringing the aircraft under control before it was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Israeli authorities initially described the incident as a violent confrontation between the pilots, but officials later said they were investigating whether the episode could have involved an attempted hijacking or terrorism. Reuters reported that Israeli officials believed the co-pilot may have been responsible for the attack, while the motive remained under investigation.
Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled after the aircraft transmitted the hijacking-related signal. Flight-tracking information showed the plane diverting toward Saudi Arabia after passing near Jordanian airspace.
The incident prompted an immediate security response in Israel, with Netanyahu saying the situation had been brought under control and praising those who intervened during the emergency.
The co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, was taken into custody in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli officials. However, authorities have not publicly established a motive, and Flydubai has urged caution against speculation while investigations continue.
The passengers were later transported from Saudi Arabia to Israel on another flight. The dramatic incident is now being investigated by the relevant authorities as officials work to establish exactly what happened inside the cockpit and why the confrontation began.
