Authorities Probe Flydubai Pilot Over Suspected Attempt to Crash Jetliner

Authorities are investigating whether a pilot aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv attempted to crash the passenger aircraft before it diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 was carrying more than 170 passengers from Dubai when a violent cockpit confrontation unfolded.

The aircraft was traveling through Jordanian airspace toward Israel when it turned south toward Saudi Arabia. During the incident, the aircraft transmitted a general emergency signal and rapidly plunged thousands of feet. Flight-tracking data showed it briefly broadcast a code reserved for hijackings or unlawful cockpit interference.

Israeli officials said the cockpit disturbance involved a physical struggle between the pilots. Israeli media reported that one pilot was stabbed during the fight. An off-duty flight crew traveling as passengers helped subdue the suspected attacker, Hebrew news outlets reported.

The emergency alert prompted the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened urgent security consultations with military commanders. Officials in Israel later stated that outside hijackers were not involved and characterized the incident as an internal crew fight.

Flydubai said the flight landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk. The airline confirmed all passengers and crew members were safe and accounted for. A company spokesperson said staff were cooperating closely with regional authorities to investigate the event.

Saudi and Israeli authorities are examining the background of the copilot, whom regional media identified as an Omani national. Security agencies are evaluating whether the incident was an attempted act of terror or a mental health crisis.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said measures were being organized to return the passengers safely home, while Flydubai prepared a replacement flight from Saudi Arabia.