Flydubai Plane Diverted Amid Pilot Fight, Hijacking Fears

Flydubai confirmed that a flight en route from the UAE to Tel Aviv experienced a violent altercation between its pilots, following earlier concerns about a potential hijacking. Initial reports suggested the incident might have been an attack aimed at seizing control of the aircraft. The plane, carrying approximately 100 Israeli passengers, reportedly changed course towards Saudi Arabia, where it was expected to land.

Concerns were heightened when the flight disappeared from flight tracking applications and did not receive clearance to land at Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Security Yisrael Katz held emergency consultations with senior security officials. Later, contact was re-established with the pilot, the aircraft resumed broadcasting its signal, and preparations were made for landing in Saudi Arabia.

While Flydubai attributed the incident to a severe fight between the pilots, thereby reducing hijacking fears, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the flight's diversion. The Israeli military radio, citing a "senior official," reported that one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to hijack the plane, intending to force it to land elsewhere or crash it. The report indicated the aircraft began a sharp descent before other crew members subdued the assailant and regained control, averting what was described as a major disaster.