A Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv suffered an abrupt descent of over 5,000 meters on Wednesday, after a pilot allegedly knifed a colleague inside the cockpit in what Israeli authorities are treating as a potential hijacking and terror attempt. The aircraft eventually executed an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following intervention by passengers and crew.
Mid-Air Cockpit Attack Triggers Emergency Descent
The violent altercation unfolded mid-flight when one pilot allegedly stabbed the other, plunging the cabin into chaos. Flight data reviewed by CNN indicates the aircraft dropped sharply from 34,000 to approximately 16,600 feet in less than two minutes during the struggle.
With the cockpit door left open, passenger Assaf Rajwan and other travelers, alongside members of the cabin crew, rushed forward to intervene. “We acted on instinct. You stop not up to think. The plane is just plunging,” Rajwan told Channel 12. Passengers and crew successfully overmannered the attacking pilot before the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.
Investigation and Israeli Government Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that it remains too early to determine who orchestrated the attack. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu noted that the suspect is currently being interrogated in Saudi Arabia.
When questioned about potential Iranian involvement, Netanyahu stated there were no confirmed indications yet. “I believe he will be led to the United Arab Emirates, where he comes from, or at least where he flew from, and we will follow and possibly also participate in this investigation,” Netanyahu said, according to Reuters.
Hospitalization and Return of Passengers
Both the captain and the second pilot sustained injuries during the onboard struggle and were transported to a hospital upon landing. Flydubai confirmed that all remaining passengers and crew members were accounted for following the incident.
Following the emergency landing in Tabuk, affected passengers were flown back to Israel on the same Flydubai aircraft, arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, where images showed travelers such as Assaf Rajwan and his family after clearing the ordeal.
Answers regarding the emergency landing and investigation details
Where did the Flydubai flight land after the cockpit attack?
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew subdued the attacking pilot.
How many passengers were on board the flight to Tel Aviv?
There were 174 passengers on the Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Who is investigating the incident?
Israeli authorities are investigating the event as a potential hijacking and terror attempt, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel intends to follow and potentially participate in the ongoing probe.
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