Passengers Overcame Pilot on Flydubai Flight, Israel Says

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from the United Arab Emirates to Israel experienced a severe security incident when an event involving the pilots led to a rapid descent, followed by the co-pilot’s reported arrest by Saudi authorities after the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials reported that more than 170 Israelis were on board the flight, which normally uses airspace over Saudi Arabia and Jordan to operate daily return routes between Dubai and Tel Aviv.

Emergency Dive and Cockpit Struggle Detailed by Officials

According to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft suddenly and rapidly descended by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before transmitting its first emergency signal on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that passengers and a crew member broke into the cockpit after the aircraft entered a tailspin and began to dive, ultimately finding the co-pilot trying to sabotage the plane’s systems. A Netanyahu spokesperson told Reuters that the wounded pilot, covered in blood and lying on the floor, had clicked open the release on the cockpit door. A second set of replacement pilots on board then landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.

Yasmin Abukasis recounted that her daughter Miriam, a passenger on the flight, heard screaming and witnessed a man holding a knife force one of the pilots to the floor, leaving blood everywhere. Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk airport confirmed that both pilots were hospitalized with injuries. While an Israeli official identified the co-pilot as an Omani national, the airline issued a statement noting that the underlying reasons for the event remain unknown and warned against premature speculation.

Flydubai flight plunges after pilot attack as passengers scream in panic — video

Did You Know? This flight diversion marks another instance of an Israel-UAE route landing in Saudi Arabia, following a September 2025 emergency landing in Riyadh due to a medical incident reported by Israeli media at the time.

Political Implications and Security Response in Israel

The incident heightened security fears across Israel just weeks before citizens head to the polls for the first election since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, a period in which national security remains central to political campaigns. Far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded on X by writing, “Terrorism is a devil with whom no agreement must be reached.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a joint investigation by Israel’s Transport Ministry and the defence establishment, while ordering tighter security checks on all Israeli and non-Israeli carriers flying into the country.

Passenger on FlyDubai Flight Says Pilot was Stabbed

Doron Spielman, a Netanyahu spokesperson, told Reuters that authorities intend to verify the identities and conduct security checks on every pilot flying into Israel. The diplomatic backdrop includes Netanyahu’s recent Sunday meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a rare Gulf visit. Israel and the UAE established diplomatic ties in 2020 and have since built close security and military connections, which earlier this year included Israel providing the UAE with Iron Dome air-defence systems and operating personnel.

Pilot stabbed during fight before emergency landing in Saudi Arabia

What caused the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia?

Israeli officials reported that a physical altercation occurred between the pilot and co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, during which the pilot was stabbed and the aircraft rapidly descended nearly 14,000 feet before diverting to Tabuk airport.