Passengers overcame co-pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Netanyahu says

Live updates

1. 46m ago

   Passengers Stop Co-Pilot in Hijacking Attempt

   Passengers and crew on a FlyDubai flight heading to Israel subdued a co-pilot who stabbed his fellow crew member and sent the jet plunging nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Israeli officials stated the co-pilot attempted to crash the aircraft before passengers intervened and other pilots safely diverted and landed the plane in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the episode as a highly severe security incident, while FlyDubai stated that the motive behind the cockpit altercation remains under investigation.

   Why it matters

   In-flight cockpit security and pilot incapacitation protocols face intense scrutiny following this violent mid-air altercation over an international route. The emergency landing in Saudi Arabia introduces diplomatic and aviation safety complexities for a flight originally bound for Israel. Airline officials maintained hours of silence before confirming that investigations into the underlying causes are actively underway.

   What is confirmed

   • A FlyDubai flight bound for Israel was diverted to Saudi Arabia following a fight between pilots in the cockpit.
   • Israeli officials reported that passengers and crew intervened to stop a co-pilot who stabbed the pilot and tried to crash the aircraft.
   • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as a highly severe security incident.
   • FlyDubai stated that the motive behind the incident is still being probed.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Israeli officials said passengers helped thwart an attempted jihadist terror attack.

   What to watch next

   • Official findings from FlyDubai regarding the co-pilot's motive.
   • Further statements from Saudi and Israeli authorities concerning the flight's diversion.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Reuters — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
   2. BBC — Israel-bound flight diverts to Saudi Arabia after 'fight' between pilots
   3. The New York Times — Passenger Describes Chaos Aboard FlyDubai Flight
   4. The Times of Israel — After hours of silence, flydubai says motive behind incident on Israel-bound plane still being probed
   5. PBS — Netanyahu says a pilot on a FlyDubai flight stabbed another and apparently tried to crash the plane
   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.staradvertiser.com — Passengers overcame pilot who tried to crash flight to Israel | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
   8. www.dailymirror.lk — Passengers overcame pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Israel says - International | Daily Mirror
   9. goldsea.com — Passengers Overcame Co-Pilot Who Tried to Crash Flydubai Flight | GOLDSEA | Asian American Daily
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