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 of 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 and was heading towards Saudi Arabia for an anticipated landing.

Concerns were heightened when the aircraft disappeared from flight tracking applications and did not receive clearance to land at Ben Gurion Airport, raising alarms about the flight's safety. In response to the developing situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Security Yoav Gallant held emergency consultations with senior security officials.

Contact was later re-established with the aircraft's pilot, and its signal was restored. Preparations were underway for landing in Saudi Arabia. While Flydubai attributed the incident to a severe dispute between the pilots, thereby reducing hijacking fears, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the diversion, especially given reports of a possible onboard attack.

According to a "senior official" cited by the Israeli Army Radio, 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 steep descent before other crew members managed to subdue the assailant and regain control, averting what was described as a major catastrophe.