In brief
A Flydubai aircraft enroute from Dubai to Tel Aviv suffered a violent incident when one pilot stabbed the co‑pilot, apparently attempting to crash the plane. The jet plummeted 17,000 feet in under two minutes before being steered to Saudi Arabia for emergency landing. Passengers captured the terrifying event on video, with one yelling for help. Israeli leaders and aviation authorities are investigating the incident, while airlines urge vigilance. The industry watches closely as it may reshape flight security protocols.
Passengers aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv were thrown into panic when an onboard altercation erupted between the two pilots. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one pilot stabbed the other and the victim was reported to have “apparently tried to crash the plane.”
The aircraft “plummeted 17,000ft (5,200m) in less than two minutes” before diverting to a Saudi airport for an emergency landing. The incident has raised immediate concerns about cockpit security and the integrity of flight crew interactions.
Video footage shared on social media shows a passenger recording the moment the wounded pilot fell from the cockpit and shouting for assistance. The clip, which is still online under the hashtag #FlydubaiStabbing, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.
The airline has not released an official statement yet, but aviation safety experts are urging stricter protocols for cabin crew protection and cockpit access. The event comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over aviation security in the Middle East.
The drama continues to unfold as authorities probe the motives behind the attack, confirming whether it was an act of sabotage or a personal grievance. Meanwhile, passengers are understandably anxious about the future of flights on the Dubai‑Tel Aviv route.