In brief
On an Israel‑bound Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, one crew member stabbed a fellow pilot in a shocking incident that caused the aircraft to plunge 17,000 feet in under two minutes. In the chaos, the plane was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia while air‑traffic control scrambled a rescue plan. Passengers filmed the attack and the emergency descent, and one shouted for help in a video that has been shared on social media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act and urged calm, while aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the violent crew rupture. The incident has heightened concerns about safety and the potential for uncommanded aircraft maneuvers.
What happened
Passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv witnessed a shocking incident when one crew member allegedly stabbed another pilot, prompting the aircraft to lose 17,000 feet in under two minutes before a forced diversion to Saudi Arabia.
- A pilot stabbed a fellow pilot and allegedly tried to crash the plane.
- The aircraft dropped 5,200 meters (17,000 feet) in under two minutes.
- Emergency services diverted the flight to King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh.
- Passengers recorded the event and a man called for help over the intercom.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and urged calm.
Response and Investigation
Israeli authorities and the airline are conducting a full investigation to determine the motive behind the assault and to assess any procedural failures that may have contributed to the crisis. Air traffic control rerouted the aircraft and coordinated with Saudi police to secure the runway.
The incident has raised broad concerns about in‑flight safety, especially on international routes that cross multiple jurisdictions. Aviation safety experts warn that pilots and crew members may face increasing personal risk in volatile environments.
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