Pilot on Tel Aviv-bound flight tried to crash plane after cockpit stabbing, Netanyahu says - The Washington Post

Emergency Landing Follows Mid-Air Altercation

A FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following a violent confrontation between the two pilots in the cockpit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the incident involved a pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft.

While initial reports raised concerns regarding a potential hijacking, Netanyahu clarified that the event was not a hijacking attempt. Israeli media outlets have characterized the disturbance as a personal dispute between the flight crew members.

Safety and Response

All passengers aboard the flight are reported to be safe. According to reports, passengers on the aircraft intervened to overcome the pilot involved in the altercation. The incident prompted the deployment of Israeli fighter jets, though the flight ultimately diverted to Saudi Arabia.

Following the landing, reports indicated that Saudi authorities declined a request from Israel to permit Israeli aircraft to enter their airspace to retrieve the passengers. The situation remains a subject of international attention as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the mid-air conflict.