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oi-Swastika Sruti
A Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai was forced to land in Saudi Arabia following a fight onboard the aircraft on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following an in-cockpit fight where one pilot allegedly attacked the other and attempted to take control. Israeli PM Netanyahu confirmed the incident, stating passengers intervened to prevent a major disaster, and the accused pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that one pilot attacked the other in the cockpit and tried to seize control of the aircraft, which could have led to a disaster. The aircraft with many Israelis onboard finally made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Details surrounding the incident, as well as the motive of the assault, are under investigation.
What Happened Inside Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
During the flight of FZ1073 from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, there occurred an emergency case in the cockpit of the aircraft.
Netanyahu:
We are in close contact with the relevant authorities in order to ensure the continuation of the safety of the passengers, in order to ensure their safe return home.
We are prepared for security systems to prepare against additional potential threats.
We are… pic.twitter.com/E0mXvcJGX7
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 30, 2026
According to Israeli authorities reported by foreign media, the two pilots started fighting each other. Netanyahu further explained that one of the pilots stabbed the other and possibly tried to bring the airplane down.
From the flight-tracing data, it can be noted that the plane, which was a Boeing 737, made a sudden descent in the air and also sent emergency signals including the possible hijacking of the aircraft.
It then landed safely at Tabuk Airport, northwestern Saudi Arabia.
According to Flydubai, there was an incident on their aircraft during its journey and all passengers were fine.
Passengers And Crew Helped During The Emergency
Reports from passengers indicate that there was panic inside the aircraft after the cockpit incident began. Some passengers reportedly heard shouting coming from the front of the plane. Passenger accounts cited by Israeli media also described blood inside the cockpit after the confrontation.
According to Netanyahu, passengers intervened during the incident and helped prevent what he described as a major disaster. He praised those who assisted in stopping the alleged attacker.
The aircraft was eventually brought under control and diverted to Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were reportedly injured and taken to hospital after the landing.
Indian Captain’s Role Reported In Cockpit Struggle
Israeli media reports have identified the captain involved in the incident as an Indian national or a person of Indian origin.
According to reports by Ynet and other Israeli outlets, the Indian captain fought back after the alleged attack by the other pilot. Passengers and members of the crew also reportedly helped restrain the attacker.
However, details about the identities and nationalities of the pilots have varied across early reports. Authorities have not yet released a complete official account of the incident.
Saudi Arabia Arrests Pilot, Investigation Underway
Netanyahu said the pilot accused of carrying out the attack was arrested by Saudi authorities and was being questioned.
The incident also triggered a security response from Israel. Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled after authorities received emergency signals from the aircraft and initially feared a possible hijacking. The aircraft was later confirmed to have landed safely in Tabuk.
The motive behind the cockpit confrontation remains unclear. Israeli authorities are investigating whether the incident was an attempted attack or resulted from another dispute between the pilots.
Flight Lands Safely In Saudi Arabia
The aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport after the emergency and all passengers were reported safe. The incident is particularly notable because the flight was travelling to Israel but had to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, which does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
Netanyahu’s office said the situation was under control and that steps were being taken to safely return the Israeli passengers to Israel.
For now, investigators are working to establish exactly what happened inside the cockpit, why the confrontation began and whether the alleged attempt to bring down the aircraft was deliberate.
