Flight
Midair Crisis: Israel-Bound Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Stabbing
TABUK, Saudi Arabia — A Flydubai flight carrying roughly 180 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent midair struggle in the cockpit left both pilots injured.
Flight-tracking data revealed that the Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a steep, sudden drop from 33,000 feet to below 17,000 feet in under two minutes.
Authorities report that a physical altercation broke out between the pilots, during which the co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain with a knife.
Passengers described hearing terrifying screams and seeing blood inside the cockpit area as the aircraft lost control. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the co-pilot apparently attempted to crash the plane before being disarmed by crew members and off-duty pilots traveling as passengers.
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The sudden trajectory change and a triggered emergency distress code raised immediate fears of a hijacking. In response, the Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets to intercept the airliner as it approached the region.
The aircraft was eventually stabilized and diverted safely to Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Both pilots sustained injuries during the struggle and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment under Saudi security custody.
Flydubai confirmed that all passengers landed safely and were fully accounted for, adding that the airline is coordinating with regional authorities to secure return transportation to Israel.
While a hijacking attempt has been officially ruled out, aviation and intelligence authorities are continuing to investigate the exact motives behind the violent cockpit breakdown.
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