A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following a violent altercation in the cockpit.
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ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers, including approximately 100 Israeli nationals.
- •The aircraft descended nearly 18,000 feet in three minutes during the incident.
- •Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft.
- •The flight landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Saudi authorities have taken the accused pilot into custody for questioning.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday morning. The flight diverted after an onboard incident involving the pilots, which led to the aircraft rapidly descending from 34,000 to 16,000 feet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the pilots were involved in a physical altercation and stated that the flight is now under control.
Details of the In-Flight Incident
Reports regarding the nature of the incident vary. While an Israeli official initially suggested a physical altercation between the two pilots, Prime Minister Netanyahu later stated that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to crash the plane. Passengers reported hearing screaming and seeing blood in the cockpit area, with some accounts claiming passengers intervened to apprehend a pilot. Both the pilot and co-pilot were hospitalized upon landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The aircraft transmitted multiple emergency signals, including codes for a general emergency and potential unlawful interference. The unusual flight path and distress signals prompted a security response in Israel, including the reported scrambling of two Israeli Air Force jets. Israeli authorities are currently in contact with Saudi officials to ensure the safety of the passengers and facilitate their return to Israel. The pilot accused of the stabbing has been arrested by Saudi authorities.
Timeline
- Wednesday morningFlight FZ1073 departs Dubai for Tel Aviv.
- Wednesday morningThe aircraft experiences a rapid descent and transmits emergency signals.
- Wednesday morningThe flight makes an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ABC News (US), NPR World, Kathmandu Post, Al-Monitor.
