Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Scare: Omani Co-Pilot Allegedly Stabs Pilot, Tries To Take Control

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Emirati pilot and attempted to take control of the aircraft, according to Israeli officials. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible terror attack, although the motive remains unclear.

Flight FZ1073, carrying around 180 passengers, was heading towards Ben Gurion Airport when a violent struggle broke out inside the cockpit. Israeli officials told i24 News that the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and tried to seize control of the aircraft.

Passengers and crew reportedly heard the struggle and intervened. They managed to subdue the attacker, while other pilots travelling as passengers reportedly helped regain control of the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said the co-pilot appeared to have tried to crash the plane and praised those who intervened.

The aircraft experienced a dramatic loss of altitude during the incident. Flight-tracking data showed it dropping by roughly 14,000 to 17,000 feet in a short period before stabilising and diverting towards Saudi Arabia. The plane eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport, with all passengers accounted for.

The aircraft also transmitted emergency signals, including squawk code 7500, the internationally recognised code for hijacking or unlawful interference. The alert prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets and hold emergency security consultations.

Israeli officials are examining whether the incident was a deliberate attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft. One official cited by Israeli media said it remained unclear whether the alleged attacker intended to crash the plane, seize it or carry out an attack resembling the September 11 attacks. The motive has not been established.

Both pilots were taken to hospital after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Saudi authorities are investigating the incident, while the co-pilot has reportedly been taken into custody for questioning.

The incident comes weeks before Israel's October 27 election and a day after Netanyahu warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack ahead of the vote. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised that warning as an election message and called for security officials and political stakeholders to be fully briefed if there was credible intelligence of a threat.

Flydubai has confirmed that FZ1073 experienced an incident en route and landed safely at Tabuk, saying all passengers were safe and accounted for. The airline is working with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues.