by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
TEL AVIV/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israel scrambled fighter jets Wednesday after a violent cockpit incident aboard a commercial flight carrying Israelis from Dubai to Tel Aviv raised fears of a hijacking and forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 landed safely in the Saudi city of Tabuk after transmitting emergency signals, including one indicating possible unlawful interference with the aircraft. All passengers were reported safe.
Israeli authorities were investigating whether the incident was an attempted attack. Well-informed sources said one pilot allegedly attacked the other with a knife during the cockpit struggle, but the motive remained under investigation.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft abruptly descending from about 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet before diverting toward Tabuk. Israel scrambled warplanes amid initial fears that the aircraft had been hijacked.
The plane was carrying about 174 passengers, including 27 children, according to Israeli media. Both the captain and first officer were injured and taken to hospital, Saudi authorities said. Passengers described screaming, blood and chaos as the aircraft suddenly lost altitude.
PASSENGERS DESCRIBE CHAOS
Yasmin Abukasis, whose daughter was aboard, said her daughter heard someone screaming for help and believed people aboard eventually subdued an attacker while others helped regain control of the aircraft.
Flydubai confirmed that the flight had experienced an incident and said its teams were cooperating with authorities. The airline said all passengers were safe and accounted for.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the situation was under control and authorities were working to bring the Israeli passengers home.
The security scare comes just days before Israel marks the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, amid heightened security concerns following years of regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel but has allowed Israeli flights to use its airspace since 2022 and has previously assisted Israeli passengers during emergency landings.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
