Flydubai flight forced to land in Saudi Arabia after cockpit attack
Analysed · First reported · Updated
Sources
- ynetnews.com
- bokra.net
- hicbc.com
- metrohk.com.hk
- emaratalyoum.com
- kassioun.org
- slaati.com
- 163.com
- magazin.aktualne.cz
- prensa.com
- eldeber.com.bo
- enikos.gr
- informer.rs
- prensalibre.com
- index.hr
- akhbrna.ae
- alquds.com
- acento.com.do
- almasryalyoum.com
- elobservador.com.uy
- aljazeera.net
- yenisafak.com
- voakorea.com
- divyabhaskar.co.in
- inewsgr.com
A Flydubai aircraft en route from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an Omani first officer stabbed the Indian captain and attempted to hijack the plane.
Cockpit attack and diversion
An Omani first officer stabbed the Indian captain during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, causing the aircraft to descend about 4,300 metres. The first officer planned to take control of the aircraft after it entered Jordanian airspace and redirect it toward the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. The captain, despite being injured, managed the cockpit and prevented the takeover, leading the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Passenger involvement
The flight carried 174 passengers, most of whom were Israeli. Passengers allegedly intervened and took control of the aircraft after the cockpit incident.
Emergency response in Tabuk
Saudi authorities received Flydubai flight FZ1073 at Tabuk Airport and provided immediate medical care to injured passengers. The Saudi Ministry of Interior issued a statement explaining that the emergency situation was handled according to established regulations and that the safety of all passengers and crew was ensured.
Security review context
Israel's State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman issued a 2024 report on aviation security for international civil aviation to and from Israel, recommending that the National Security Council lead a review with the Transportation Ministry, Finance Ministry, Israel Airports Authority, Shin Bet, and police to formulate a new aviation security policy. On paper, the Transportation Ministry is responsible for foreign flights landing in Israel.
How we use AI · Report an error
Related stories
- Flydubai co‑pilot attacks captain and attempts to crash Dubai‑Tel Aviv flight
- US Coast Guard finds debris field from missing Gulfstream G100 off Nantucket
- Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk after cockpit stabbing
- RTX wins up to $1.5 bn contract to sustain F‑22’s F119 engines
- Oklahoma’s aerospace sector drives $44 bn impact and creates 206,000 jobs