Israel Investigates Dubai Flight Incident as Terror Attack

Israeli authorities are treating a serious incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a full-fledged terror attack, with Israeli intelligence agencies involved in the investigation being conducted in Saudi Arabia. According to information reviewed in Israel, the co-pilot, believed to be an Omani citizen, allegedly attacked and repeatedly stabbed the pilot, a UAE national, and attempted to crash the plane with approximately 180 passengers on board. Crew members and passengers managed to breach the cockpit and subdue the co-pilot. Another crew of pilots aboard the flight took control, stabilized the aircraft after a steep dive, and landed it safely in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Israel is preparing to dispatch an Air Force plane to Saudi Arabia to evacuate the Israeli passengers, a move considered unusual given the lack of full diplomatic relations between the two countries. The passengers are currently in Saudi Arabia, and the aircraft is secured by local authorities. Reports indicate Saudi security forces surrounded the plane after landing, with passengers initially remaining onboard. An Israeli official described the severity of the incident, stating, "We were a hair's breadth away from a 9/11 event."

The incident began when the flight, en route to Ben Gurion Airport, transmitted a general emergency code (7700), followed by code 7500, indicating unlawful interference, possibly hijacking. The aircraft deviated from its course to Israel, turned, and rapidly lost altitude. Israeli intelligence believes the co-pilot intentionally initiated the dive, rather than it being an accidental loss of control during the cockpit altercation. Flight data showed a drastic and rapid descent of about 15,000 feet in one minute before stabilization. The intervention by crew and passengers to overpower the co-pilot was critical. The presence of additional pilots was crucial in regaining control, stabilizing the plane, and diverting it to Tabuk after the captain was incapacitated. All passengers survived the landing. While foreign reports confirm the landing and cockpit confrontation, the investigation into the co-pilot's motives and intentions is ongoing.

Israeli intelligence is actively investigating the Omani co-pilot's background, motives, and the circumstances leading to the alleged attack on the captain and the attempt to crash the plane. The involvement of Israeli intelligence stems from the flight's destination and the significant number of Israeli passengers. Key questions include whether the co-pilot acted alone, if the act was premeditated, and if the destination was a factor in the motive. Concurrently, efforts are underway to repatriate the passengers, with Israel considering using an Air Force plane for their evacuation. During the incident, Israeli fighter jets were scrambled, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held urgent security consultations. The IDF Chief of Staff also conducted a situation assessment with relevant military commanders. Arkia Airlines announced it is increasing flights from the East to Israel to assist Israelis returning home.