A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after what officials described as a violent incident involving the two pilots. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport, and all passengers were reported safe.
The flight, FZ1073, departed Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport. Flight-tracking data reviewed by CNN showed that the aircraft descended approximately 17,400 feet, from around 34,000 feet to about 16,600 feet, in just over two minutes while flying over northwestern Saudi Arabia. The aircraft subsequently transmitted an emergency signal.
The incident initially raised concerns about a possible hijacking. However, an Israeli official cited by CNN said the episode was not considered a hijacking and was instead believed to involve an incident inside the aircraft. Israeli authorities activated security measures after receiving the emergency signal, and fighter jets were reportedly dispatched to monitor the situation.
Israeli officials later said that the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a sharp object during a confrontation in the cockpit. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident, including whether it could have had a terrorist motivation. Those questions remain under investigation, and no final determination has been announced.
Reports concerning the pilots’ nationalities have varied, and those details have not been definitively established. Both pilots were reportedly injured and taken to a hospital following the aircraft’s landing in Tabuk, according to Saudi authorities.
The aircraft was carrying approximately 180 people, according to reports, including more than 100 Israeli passengers. All passengers were reported safe and accounted for after the emergency landing.
Flydubai confirmed that the flight experienced an “incident” during the journey and was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. The airline said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities and that all passengers were safe.
The diversion to Saudi Arabia also carries a diplomatic dimension because Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations. The Israeli prime minister’s office said the situation was under control and that arrangements were being considered to facilitate the return of the Israeli passengers to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the incident and held security consultations as authorities assessed the situation. Israeli officials continued coordinating efforts concerning the passengers and the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly established all the details surrounding what happened inside the cockpit, the identity and motive of the alleged attacker, or whether the incident had any connection to terrorism. Early reports about a possible terrorist motive reflect preliminary assessments and should not be treated as a final determination.
Credit: CNN
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