One pilot 'stabbed the other' and 'apparently tried to crash' Israel-bound plane, Netanyahu says
- On Wednesday, Flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent in-flight incident between pilots. Both pilots were injured, and the aircraft landed safely.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated one pilot stabbed the other and apparently attempted to crash the plane with passengers aboard. Passengers and crew intervened, overpowering the attacker and stabilizing the aircraft.
- Flight-Tracking data analysed by BBC Verify showed the aircraft plunging from about 34,000 feet to about 15,000 feet within five minutes. Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon said the aircraft was "pretty much out of control" when the stabbing occurred.
- Fearing a possible hijacking, Israeli authorities scrambled Israeli Air Force fighter jets during the incident. The pilot who carried out the stabbing was arrested and remains under questioning by Saudi authorities.
- The incident occurs days before Israel marks the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, amid heightened regional tensions. Saudi Arabia, lacking formal diplomatic relations with Israel, has allowed Israeli overflights since 2022.
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Netanyahu says one flydubai pilot wanted to crash plane, 'major disaster' averted
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that one of the pilots of a flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv had planned to crash it and kill its mostly Israeli passengers, who stopped a "major disaster".
FlyDubai flight drops 17,000 feet after pilot fight
Bloody scenes unfolded on the Flydubai plane during the hijacking attempt. Passenger Daniel testifies to the horror: – The plane simply plunged and rotated completely crazy.
According to Israeli leaders and the story of several people on board, one of the pilots attacked his colleague and tried to crash the plane, before being controlled by a group of travellers greeted in "heros" by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu.
Passengers overcame pilot who tried to crash flight to Israel | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
JERUSALEM >> The co-pilot of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv tried to crash the plane after stabbing the pilot, but passengers subdued him while other pilots landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia, Israeli officials said today.
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