Flydubai 737 MAX attacked in cockpit, diverted to Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX on a Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight was attacked in the cockpit about two and a half hours after take‑off when pilot Hamam al Hamami used a small axe, and two off‑duty Flydubai pilots took control and landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; the flight carried 172 passengers, most of whom were Israeli.

Saudi authorities have opened a security investigation into the incident in line with international rules and have informed foreign authorities, while the UAE has started a separate criminal investigation and labeled the event a terrorist attack; Israel has offered to take part in the Saudi‑led probe but has not yet been invited.