Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia after cockpit incident
A Flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia following a cockpit emergency, as Israeli authorities investigate conflicting reports of a pilot altercation or terror attempt.
A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday following a severe in-flight emergency. The aircraft reportedly transmitted an emergency transponder code signaling unlawful interference, prompting the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets and deny the plane entry into Israeli airspace.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that a "terrorist" attempted to crash the aircraft carrying approximately 180 Israeli passengers. Meanwhile, multiple media outlets and passenger accounts reported a violent altercation between the pilot and co-pilot, with some alleging a stabbing inside the cockpit.
Israeli authorities stated that all hypotheses, including a potential terrorist attack, remain under investigation. No official confirmation has been issued regarding the exact cause of the dispute.
Sources: Corriere della Sera, Le Figaro, Le Monde, ORF, RTBF Info.