Dubai to Israel flight broadcasts emergency alert, diverts to Saudi Arabia after reported feud between pilots

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Israel-Bound Flight Diverts After Cockpit Fight

   An Israel-bound Flydubai flight carrying more than 150 Israelis diverted to Saudi Arabia following a distress signal and violent struggle in the cockpit. The aircraft plunged thousands of feet during the midair incident. Israeli officials state passengers helped thwart an attempted jihadist terror attack by a co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane. The UAE is investigating potential terrorist links to the attack, which prompted the Israeli prime minister to call the event a most serious security incident.

   Why it matters

   The flight was traveling from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when the emergency occurred, forcing an unscheduled landing in Saudi Arabia. Tensions remain high as aviation authorities and security agencies examine the motives behind the cockpit altercation. The involvement of multiple nations in the region adds diplomatic complexity to the unfolding security probe.

   What is confirmed

   • A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a struggle in the cockpit.
   • The aircraft carried more than 150 Israelis on board.
   • An emergency alert and distress signal were broadcast during the flight.
   • Israeli officials said passengers helped thwart an attempted attack by a pilot who allegedly stabbed his crewmember and intended to crash the plane.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An Israeli minister claimed a terrorist wanted to crash the plane.

   What to watch next

   • Results from the United Arab Emirates investigation into potential terrorist links
   • Official statements from Flydubai regarding cockpit security protocols
   • Further details on the condition of the injured flight crew members
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. CNN — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after ‘violent incident’ between pilots
   2. The New York Times — Clash Between Pilots Prompts Distress Signal on Flight From Dubai to Tel Aviv: Live Updates
   3. CBS News — Dubai to Israel flight broadcasts emergency alert, diverts to Saudi Arabia after reported feud between pilots
   4. The Guardian — Israeli minister claims ‘terrorist’ wanted to crash plane after Israel-bound flight’s emergency landing – latest
   5. WSJ — Cockpit Struggle on Israel-Bound Flight Forces Emergency Landing
   6. www.cbsnews.com — Dubai to Israel flight makes emergency landing, passenger says "co-pilot tried to murder the pilot" and crash jet
   7. www.cnn.com — Co-pilot on Israel-bound flight stabbed captain and tried to hijack plane, sources say
   8. www.aljazeera.com — UAE investigates possible ‘terrorist’ link in attack on flight to Israel
   9. www.nbcnews.com — What we know about the cockpit stabbing on Israel-bound flight
   10. www.calcalistech.com — Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia after ...
   11. www.news24.com — Israel-bound flight with 150 on board diverted to Saudi ...
   confidence 90%