FlyDubai co-pilot subdued after stabbing pilot on flight to Israel
A FlyDubai co-pilot was subdued after stabbing the captain mid-flight on a route to Tel Aviv, causing a steep drop over Saudi Arabia before control was regained.
Passengers and crew on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv overpowered a co-pilot who stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. Flight FZ1073 experienced a sudden altitude drop of over 5,000 meters while flying over northwestern Saudi Arabia before control was restored.
The Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets during the incident, and Israeli authorities are treating the event as a suspected terrorist attack. The suspect is currently under investigation in Saudi Arabia, with plans for potential transfer to the United Arab Emirates. Commenting on the ongoing probe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that it was "too early to say" whether foreign actors were involved.
Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter, VG
Sources
- VG (Verdens Gang) — Avis: Piloter i slåsskamp – jagerfly sendt opp
- Aftenposten — Alarmen gikk om kapring av fly på vei til Israel. Israelske myndigheter sier én av pilotene forsøkte å styrte det.
- Finansavisen — Knivdrama i cockpiten: – For tidlig å si hvem som står bak
- TV 2 Nyheter — Overmannet angriperen: – Tok kvelertak på ham
- Berlingske — Israel hylder heltene, der forhindrede »et nyt 9/11«
Earlier coverage
- Oct 3, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCFlyDubai pilot praised for averting disaster as cockpit attack probe continues