What happened
BREAKING NEWS: A flydubai passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, September 30, after an altercation in the cockpit. This report covers what officials and the airline have said so far, and what is still unknown.
The airline says crew members travelling aboard the aircraft took control and landed it safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft. According to Israeli officials, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot.
Netanyahu said Saudi authorities arrested the suspected attacker, and that 174 people were aboard, most of them Israeli nationals. These details came from Israeli officials while the investigation continued.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed the aircraft descending sharply from about 34,000 feet. Passenger Almog Italie described repeated drops before the aircraft stabilised.
Netanyahu's office said the wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter. Flydubai confirmed a reserve crew aboard then took control and landed the aircraft.
Tracking information showed emergency transponder codes 7700 (general emergency) and 7500 (unlawful interference).
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed a security incident that was brought under control. It said some crew members were injured and taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia, and that investigators are working with relevant authorities on the causes and circumstances.
Passengers continued to Israel on a replacement flydubai aircraft and arrived at Ben Gurion Airport.
Israel announced plans to increase security checks on pilots flying into the country, including identity verification and security checks. Netanyahu directed authorities to strengthen security for Israeli and foreign airlines.
Flydubai announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from Israel while the investigation proceeds. The airline says the underlying reasons and motives remain unknown and urges against premature speculation. The UAE regulator has also asked the public to await official findings.
This is a developing story. Details come from Israeli officials, Reuters, Gulf News and the UAE's Emirates News Agency (WAM), and may change as the investigation continues.
Every statement is attributed to the cited reporting. Visuals marked “file photo” or “illustrative” do not depict the events described unless stated.