A Flydubai aircraft carrying about 150 passengers, including Israeli travellers, made an emergency landing in northwestern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an alleged stabbing incident involving members of the cockpit crew.
The Boeing 737, operating as Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel, reportedly experienced a sudden descent of about 13,000 feet within 30 seconds before veering from its planned route, according to flight-tracking data cited by Israeli media.
The aircraft later landed safely at Tabuk Airport after an emergency signal was reportedly issued.
Passengers panic after alleged cockpit stabbing
The incident triggered panic among passengers, with witnesses describing scenes of screaming and confusion after the cockpit door was reportedly opened and blood was seen.
One passenger told Israel’s Channel 12 that travellers became terrified after seeing blood, with some fearing the aircraft was about to crash.
Another passenger, identified as Meital, reportedly said her husband and other passengers moved towards the cockpit and helped restrain the alleged attacker.
According to the reports, one of the pilots allegedly used a pocketknife against the co-pilot during the confrontation.
Two other pilots who were reportedly travelling on the aircraft are said to have intervened and helped regain control of the plane before it was diverted to Tabuk.
Israeli fighter jets reportedly scrambled
Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled after authorities initially feared the aircraft might have been hijacked.
The development also triggered an emergency security response in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz reportedly holding an urgent meeting over the incident.
Israeli security authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including whether the incident was linked to a possible terrorist attack.
Initial reports identified the pilot allegedly involved in the confrontation as an Omani national, while the co-pilot was reportedly from the United Arab Emirates.
However, the identities, circumstances and motives of those involved have yet to be independently confirmed.
Authorities are expected to investigate how the alleged cockpit stabbing occurred, how the aircraft lost altitude so rapidly and why it was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia.
The investigation remains ongoing.
