Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today said, that Saudi authorities have arrested the pilot of a Flydubai flight who allegedly stabbed another pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft carrying Israeli passengers. Mr. Netanyahu said passengers and crew members managed to subdue the attacker, preventing what he described as a major disaster. He praised those on board for their courage and quick response, saying they had saved many lives.
The incident occurred on a commercial flight travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. A reported altercation between the pilots forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
According to Israeli media reports, an Indian national was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073 while the co-pilot was an Omani national who was suspected of attempting to crash the aircraft. The report said the Indian captain fought with the co-pilot to prevent the aircraft from crashing. Reports said, the signal was apparently triggered by an altercation between the pilots in the cockpit. Israeli passengers later intervened and helped restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli government said the situation was under control and efforts were underway to bring the passengers home.
Meanwhile, the Israel Airports Authority has opened a dedicated waiting and information area at Ben Gurion Airport for the families of passengers aboard a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
