Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Attempted Hijacking, Forced Plane to Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a severe incident early Wednesday morning when it broadcast distress signals and activated code 7500, indicating unlawful interference, possibly a hijacking. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled, and security consultations were held in Israel. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely with approximately 180 passengers, many of them Israelis. Contact with the plane was lost for a period, and it disappeared from flight tracking applications.

Initial assessments in Israel suggest the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft and crash it with the passengers aboard. According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot, believed to be from a Gulf state, allegedly began stabbing the pilot shortly after the flight began. Crew members and passengers reportedly intervened, forcing open the cockpit door and subduing the co-pilot, thereby preventing further escalation.

Flight data indicated a rapid 4,200-meter descent within one minute, along with course changes and communication loss. Passengers described dramatic moments, including shouts from the cockpit. Following the landing in Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot is under investigation, and Israeli authorities are examining all aspects of the incident.

Flydubai confirmed the safe landing and the well-being of all passengers. The airline is arranging a replacement aircraft to fly the passengers from Saudi Arabia to Israel. However, the Israeli Air Force is preparing a military plane to evacuate the Israeli passengers, as Saudi authorities reportedly refused permission for an Israeli aircraft to land in their territory. An El Al civilian plane is also being considered.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant characterized the event as a thwarted "jihadist attack," attributing its prevention to the bravery of Israeli passengers who entered the cockpit and subdued the alleged attacker. He stated the co-pilot's intention was to crash the plane. Passengers were awaiting a rescue flight from Dubai after Mossad and Shin Bet vetted the crew, following the Saudi refusal of an Israeli rescue plane.