Flydubai Co-Pilot Hospitalized After Alleged Attack on Pilot, Plane Diversion

A co-pilot from a Flydubai flight that made an emergency landing has been hospitalized with injuries, according to Saudi media reports on Wednesday. The circumstances and severity of his injuries were not immediately disclosed. The incident occurred after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to crash the plane. Reports indicate the co-pilot is of Omani nationality, while the pilot is from the United Arab Emirates. Additional flight crew members, traveling as passengers during a routine exercise, are credited with subduing the co-pilot and regaining control of the aircraft.

Initial investigations suggest the co-pilot may have intended to commit suicide by crashing the plane. Israeli officials are considering the possibility of a genuine terror incident. Reports suggest the co-pilot repeatedly stabbed the pilot. Crew members and passengers reportedly broke into the cockpit to overpower the assailant. A senior Israeli official stated that a "very heavy disaster was averted," adding that indications are growing that the co-pilot intended to seize control of the plane and crash it with the passengers aboard. The official further described the event as an attempt to replicate a "9/11" scenario, either by hijacking the plane or crashing it, noting the aircraft began to dive before the additional crew intervened.

In parallel, Tabuk Airport is coordinating with Flydubai to arrange a replacement aircraft for the passengers to continue their journey to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). The co-pilot is currently under investigation.