The co-pilot of a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to bring down the aircraft before passengers and crew members intervened, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu disclosed the incident in a video statement released by his office, describing Wednesday’s development as a serious security incident.
The aircraft, identified as flydubai flight FZ1073, was reportedly diverted to Saudi Arabia, where other pilots took control and landed the plane safely.
According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot, who he said is an Israeli official identified as an Omani national, was arrested after the aircraft landed and is expected to be questioned by Saudi authorities.
The Israeli Prime Minister said a passenger recounted how the aircraft suddenly entered a steep descent, prompting passengers and a crew member to force their way into the cockpit.
The passenger reportedly said they found the co-pilot attempting to interfere with the aircraft’s systems after allegedly stabbing the pilot.
“They saved many lives. They prevented a heavy disaster,” Netanyahu said, referring to the passengers and crew members who intervened.
An Israeli official had earlier told Reuters that the aircraft transmitted emergency signals during the incident.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by Flightradar24 reportedly showed the aircraft descending by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before an initial emergency signal was transmitted.
Despite the incident, the aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, told Reuters around the time of the landing that the incident was not believed to be a hijacking, describing it instead as a different type of security incident.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and determine what led to the aircraft’s sudden descent.
