Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, 30 September confirmed that a pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying mostly Israeli passengers on a Dubai-Tel Aviv route, stabbed the other pilot and allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft before passengers and crew intervened to subdue him. The plane ultimately landed safely at Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia, with all passengers safe and accounted for, according to a Flydubai spokesperson.

What Happened Mid-Air

According to Netanyahu, the aircraft went into a spin and began plunging as it approached Israel. Flight-tracking data indicated that flight FZ1073 dropped nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds before transmitting emergency distress signals — a terrifying descent that underscores the severity of the onboard struggle.

Netanyahu said the co-pilot is believed to have stabbed the captain in what Israeli officials described as a possible terror attack. Both pilots were hospitalised following the aircraft's landing at Tabuk, the airport confirmed.

Passengers and Crew Overpower the Attacker

An Israeli passenger and a crew member reportedly broke into the cockpit and physically restrained the attacking pilot as he allegedly attempted to sabotage the aircraft's systems. Flight crew members then took control of the plane, steering it to an emergency landing.

Tzvika Mens, who said he was among those who helped overpower the attacker, told Israeli state broadcaster Kan TV from aboard the plane that he and two others restrained the individual using cords from complimentary headphones provided on the flight. Mens also noted that a replacement Flydubai aircraft was being readied to depart for Israel, but that some passengers were refusing to board out of fear.

Official Responses and Security Measures

Netanyahu described the incident as 'extremely serious' and said Israel was in continuous contact with 'the relevant authorities.' The suspected attacker was arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities, he added.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz went further, characterising the episode as a 'jihadist terror attack' in an official statement. Following the incident, Israeli security agencies were placed on high alert and instructed to prepare for 'possible additional threats,' according to Netanyahu's office.

A Flydubai spokesperson confirmed that the flight 'experienced an incident' while en route, and that all passengers were 'safe and accounted for' after landing at Tabuk.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

The incident comes against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in the region, with Israeli officials already on elevated alert. This is a rare and alarming case of an alleged insider threat aboard a commercial aircraft — a scenario that aviation security frameworks treat as among the most difficult to detect and prevent.

Saudi authorities are leading the interrogation of the detained pilot, while Israeli agencies coordinate with regional counterparts. With an investigation now underway and passengers still stranded in Tabuk, the full circumstances of what drove the co-pilot to allegedly act remain under active scrutiny.