Live updates: Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after ‘violent incident’ between pilots

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Israel-Bound Flight Diverts After Cockpit Stabbing

   An Israel-bound Flydubai aircraft en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following a violent cockpit altercation between the pilots. Israeli officials state the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane, prompting passengers to intervene and subdue the attacker. The aircraft activated a hijack-related code and plunged thousands of feet during the incident. The United Arab Emirates is investigating potential terrorist links to the attack, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers for thwarting what he termed a serious security incident.

   Why it matters

   The emergency landing in Saudi Arabia highlights severe aviation security risks involving cockpit personnel. The rare route diversion into Saudi airspace brings diplomatic and security sensitivities into focus as international investigators probe the motives behind the cockpit assault. The involvement of passengers in overpowering a crew member adds an unusual layer to standard air piracy interventions.

   What is confirmed

   • An Israel-bound Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a violent incident between the pilots.
   • The aircraft activated a hijack-related code and plunged thousands of feet during the flight.
   • Israeli officials and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that passengers intervened to subdue a pilot who stabbed a fellow crew member in an attempted hijacking and crash.
   • The co-pilot was arrested following the emergency landing.
   • The United Arab Emirates is investigating possible terrorist links to the attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A passenger claimed the co-pilot begged 'kill me' after attacking his colleague.
   • A passenger stated the co-pilot tried to murder the pilot and crash the jet in an attempted jihadist terror attack.

   What to watch next

   • Official findings from the United Arab Emirates investigation into potential terrorist links.
   • Further statements from Flydubai regarding cockpit security protocols and crew vetting.
   • Updates on the medical condition of the injured pilot and the legal status of the arrested co-pilot.
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The Jerusalem Post — Flydubai aircraft activates hijack-related code en route to Tel Aviv
   2. CNN — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after ‘violent incident’ between pilots
   3. Reuters — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
   4. The Guardian — Israel-bound passenger plane makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
   5. The New York Times — Clash Between Pilots Prompts Distress Signal on Flight From Dubai to Tel Aviv: Live Updates
   6. BBC — Israel-bound flight diverts to Saudi Arabia after 'fight' between pilots
   7. NBC News — Israel-bound flight makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia amid reports of bloody altercation
   8. www.cbsnews.com — Dubai to Israel flight makes emergency landing, passenger says "co-pilot tried to murder the pilot" and crash jet
   9. www.cnn.com — Co-pilot on Israel-bound flight stabbed captain and tried to hijack plane, sources say
   10. abcnews.com — Tel Aviv flight passengers sprang into action after pilot stabbed copilot in alleged terror attack: Netanyahu
   11. www.cnbc.com — Passengers overcame co-pilot who tried to crash Fydubai flight
   12. www.foxnews.com — FlyDubai pilot stabs fellow pilot, attempts to crash plane, Netanyahu says
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