A Flydubai flight (FZ1073) that took off from Dubai International Airport bound for Ben‑Gurion Airport in Israel was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent altercation in the cockpit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that one pilot stabbed his colleague and then attempted to crash the aircraft.
What happened on board
According to flight‑tracking data, the aircraft began a rapid descent over Saudi Arabia about two and a half hours after take‑off, dropping more than 17,000 feet in under two minutes. The crew subsequently transmitted the emergency squawk 7700 and then squawk 7500, indicating a hijacking situation.
Passengers reported that the attacker, armed with a knife, forced a pilot onto the floor and tried to destroy the flight instruments. A passenger named Yaniv Hayun said he and others broke into the cockpit, placed the stabbed pilot in a chokehold, and pulled the attacker out of the cockpit. Another passenger, Zvika Meness, described how the group tied the attacker up using his own zip‑ties and the aircraft’s multimedia headphones.
Passenger and crew response
- Yaniv Hayun – helped subdue the attacker, assisted the injured pilot in opening the cockpit door, and briefly took control of the aircraft.
- Zvika Meness – helped restrain the attacker with zip‑ties and headphones.
- Other passengers – assisted in pinning the attacker down and securing the cockpit.
These actions, combined with the intervention of the remaining crew members, allowed the aircraft to be stabilized and eventually land safely at Tabuk Airport at 06:58 GMT.
Official statements
Netanyahu called the incident a “very serious security incident” and praised the stabbed pilot, Capt Smit Machchhar, as a “true hero” who saved the lives of 174 people. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz labeled the event an “attempted jihadist terror attack,” though the BBC has not received an official motive statement.
Flydubai confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck and that the flight was “successfully secured by on‑duty Flydubai crew travelling on the flight.” The airline dispatched two replacement aircraft to Tabuk and arranged for the repatriation of passengers later the same day.
Investigation and international response
The pilot who carried out the stabbing was arrested by Saudi authorities and is being questioned. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia reported that the injured pilot is in stable condition.
Israeli and Saudi air forces sent fighter jets to the area, and Netanyahu held urgent consultations with regional leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Netanyahu, suggesting the attacker might have been a terrorist.
Analysis
Security implications: The incident underscores the vulnerability of commercial aircraft to internal threats and the importance of rapid passenger and crew response. The successful diversion and safe landing demonstrate effective coordination between the airline, crew, and regional authorities.
Operational impact: Flydubai reported no further disruption to its schedule, indicating that the airline’s contingency plans were promptly enacted.
Uncertainty
While Israeli officials have described the motive as a possible jihadist attack, the exact motive remains unconfirmed pending the Saudi investigation. Details about the attacker’s identity, nationality, and any affiliations have not been officially released.