Flydubai Jet Nosedives Amid Alleged Pilot Hijacking Attempt

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, after an alleged stabbing incident in the cockpit led to the aircraft nosediving, triggering panic among passengers. The flight, FZ1073, transmitted a general emergency signal followed by a signal indicating unlawful interference.

Terrifying footage captured by passengers showed the plane descending sharply, with occupants screaming and crying. One woman was seen crouching in the aisle, while others adopted the brace position. Passengers reported hearing shouts from the front of the aircraft, and some brave individuals, along with cabin crew, went to investigate. They discovered a crew member on the floor outside the cockpit, covered in blood, with another seemingly unconscious and also bleeding.

One passenger, who emerged with blood on his face from a gash on his forehead, stated in a video that they were "here during the hijacking of an airplane." He added that they had "subdued the terrorists" and were approaching landing in an "unknown, unfamiliar area," requesting help. This passenger also reported that everyone on board was safe except for the pilot.

Israeli officials described the incident as a "major disaster narrowly avoided," with passengers managing to subdue the pilot. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting and announced that the pilot involved in the stabbing had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities. Netanyahu stated that one of the pilots had stabbed the other and apparently attempted to crash the plane.

Data from Flightradar24 indicated the jet rapidly lost altitude over Saudi Arabia, descending more than 17,000 feet in under two minutes. The aircraft recovered slightly before dropping sharply again. For over an hour, the plane struggled to maintain a steady altitude, suggesting it was being controlled manually rather than by autopilot.

Witness accounts from passengers described hearing screams and then seeing blood after the cockpit door was opened. Some passengers reported that two pilots, who were at the back of the jet, came forward to help land it. Passengers then ran towards the alleged attacker with a knife. Passengers and crew reportedly overpowered the assailant, tying him up.

Israeli security authorities, including the IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet, are treating the incident as an act of terror. The close call has been compared by senior Israeli officials to the September 11, 2001 attacks or the 1976 Entebbe hostage incident.

Following the emergency landing, flydubai dispatched a second aircraft to Tabuk Airport to transport the stranded passengers to Israel. However, some passengers reportedly refused to board, demanding an Israeli carrier instead. Photographs appear to show damage to the aircraft's rudder.

Commercial flights between Israel and the UAE have been operating since the normalization of ties in 2020. A flydubai spokesperson confirmed the incident and stated that all passengers were safe and accounted for, with their teams working with relevant authorities.