'Flydubai Co-Pilot Tried to Crash Plane Carrying Israelis; Passengers and Crew Prevented Major Disaster: Israel PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that a pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel attempted to crash the aircraft, but passengers and crew intervened to avert what he described as a “major disaster.”

According to Netanyahu, almost all passengers on the flight were Israelis.

“During the flight, when they approached Israel, one of the pilots hit the other pilot, and apparently he tried to hit the plane,” he said. He later clarified in statements that one pilot stabbed the other and then apparently tried to crash the plane.

Netanyahu recounted speaking with one of the Israeli passengers, who told him the aircraft entered a steep descent and began to sink. The passenger, together with a crew member, managed to enter the cockpit, Netanyahu said. Working with the other pilot, they struggled to regain control while another crew member helped stop the attacker, he said. The plane landed safely at Tabuk airfield in Saudi Arabia, with all passengers out of danger.

“I applaud these heroes who discovered a breach, and the courage of their hearts came out. They saved many lives. They prevented a serious disaster,” Netanyahu said. He added that he has instructed Israel’s security services to remain alert for potential additional threats.

The alleged assailant, identified by an Israeli official as an Omani national, was arrested by Saudi authorities after the plane landed and is being investigated, Netanyahu said.

In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu said: "All passengers are out of danger."

Israeli officials are maintaining close contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the passengers’ safety and their return to Israel.