A flydubai passenger plane carrying about 180 people was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after one of its pilots allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft.
The Boeing 737-8 MAX, operating as Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, landed safely at Tabuk Airport after passengers and crew intervened during the dramatic incident. Flydubai confirmed that an incident occurred on board but said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, described the incident as a “serious security incident”, saying the aircraft was approaching Israel when one pilot attacked the other and apparently attempted to take control of the plane.
“This morning, there was a serious security incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel. Almost all the passengers on the flight were Israelis. During the flight, as they approached the country, one of the pilots stabbed the second pilot, and apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board,” Netanyahu stated.
Another crew member subsequently entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft, Netanyahu said.
“I salute these heroes, who displayed exceptional resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives. They prevented a huge disaster,” Netanyahu said.
The plane was then diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Netanyahu said the pilot accused of carrying out the stabbing was arrested by Saudi authorities and was being interrogated.
Plane sent emergency signals
The incident triggered a major security response after the aircraft transmitted emergency signals while flying toward Israel.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft making a sharp descent from cruising altitude before changing course towards Saudi Arabia. The flight also transmitted a code associated with unlawful interference, briefly raising fears of a hijacking.
Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled as authorities assessed the possibility that the aircraft had been hijacked.
Passengers later described scenes of panic inside the aircraft, with some saying they believed they might not survive.
Reports said the aircraft was carrying a large number of Israeli passengers, with most of those on board reportedly Israeli citizens.
The injured pilot was taken for medical attention after the aircraft landed, according to reports.
Flydubai said it was working with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and arrange the passengers’ onward journey.
Netanyahu orders security review
Netanyahu said Israeli authorities were maintaining contact with Saudi officials over the welfare of the passengers and arrangements to return them home.
He also said he had instructed Israel’s security services to prepare for possible additional threats.
The circumstances and motive behind the cockpit attack remain under investigation. Initial reports differed over whether the incident stemmed from a personal confrontation between the pilots or whether there was a deliberate attempt to seize control of the aircraft
