A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent incident inside the cockpit left both pilots injured. Israeli officials suspect the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to hijack the aircraft, although the circumstances and motive remain under investigation.
Flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia after losing approximately 17,400 feet of altitude in less than two minutes. Passengers described panic as the aircraft descended rapidly, with one traveler telling Israeli media she feared the plane would crash.
Videos circulating on social media showed passengers describing how several people intervened after a pilot was stabbed. One passenger said a group entered the cockpit area, overpowered the suspected attacker and restrained him, allowing the aircraft to continue toward an emergency landing. Another passenger, whose clothes appeared covered in blood, said the injured pilot required urgent medical assistance.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation operator Cluster2 confirmed that the captain and co-pilot were injured and taken to hospital. Footage from inside the aircraft showed passengers applauding and celebrating as the plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Israeli authorities investigate possible hijacking attempt
Two Israeli sources told CNN investigators suspect the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft after stabbing the captain. Authorities had not established whether the suspected intention was to crash the aircraft or land elsewhere and take hostages.
Israeli officials said one of the pilots was an Omani national. One official identified the Omani co-pilot as the suspected attacker, although no final determination of responsibility had been announced.
Israeli security agencies, including Shin Bet, Mossad, the military and the transportation ministry, became involved in examining the incident. Investigators were also reviewing how an Omani pilot had received clearance to operate a flight to Israel, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The incident prompted consultations involving Israel’s prime minister and defense minister. Israeli authorities were examining the possibility of a terrorist attack, but no confirmed motive had been disclosed.
Saudi Arabia examines arrangements for stranded passengers
The emergency landing left passengers stranded in Saudi Arabia, which does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli officials initially considered sending a civilian or military aircraft to collect the passengers and transport them to their destination.
An Israeli official subsequently told CNN that Saudi Arabia had declined permission for an Israeli aircraft to collect the travelers.
Saudi authorities had not publicly commented on the reported refusal, while aviation operator Cluster2 said arrangements were being coordinated for a replacement aircraft.
Passengers described considerable distress during the incident and relief after landing. In one video, a traveler said the suspected attacker had been restrained and the immediate danger had passed, although one pilot appeared seriously injured.
Flydubai is a Dubai government-owned airline established in 2008. Operating from Dubai International Airport, the carrier serves destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia using Boeing 737 aircraft.
The investigation continues into what happened inside the cockpit, the suspected attacker’s intentions and the sequence of events preceding the aircraft’s sudden descent.
