Flydubai co-pilot stabbed pilot, tried to crash plane — Netanyahu claims

The co-pilot of an Israel-bound Flydubai flight stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft before being overpowered, according to a video statement released Wednesday afternoon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to Daily Trust,Flight FZ1073, carrying 172 people—including 169 Israeli citizens—from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flightradar24 data revealed the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. Netanyahu said an Israeli passenger and crew members broke into the cockpit to subdue the suspect, whom Saudi authorities later arrested.

Praising those who intervened as “heroes,” Netanyahu stated, “all indications show that he tried to crash the plane”. Both pilots suffered injuries and were hospitalized, according to Tabuk airport officials.

Flydubai confirmed the on-duty crew secured the jet, stating, “At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown,” pending a formal investigation.