Israeli Passengers Refuse Flydubai Flight After Saudi Emergency Landing

Several Israeli passengers are refusing to board a replacement Flydubai flight returning them to Israel after their original flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia earlier in the day. The original flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Saudi Arabia following an incident in the cockpit. Israeli authorities confirmed that Israeli personnel were on the ground and questioned the passengers, but none were being held for investigation.

The incident began when the aircraft transmitted a distress code indicating unlawful interference, potentially suggesting a hijacking. This prompted the scramble of Israeli Air Force jets and a temporary loss of contact with the plane. Emergency consultations were held at the highest levels of Israel's security establishment.

It was later determined that the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, allegedly stabbed the pilot. Israeli officials indicated that evidence pointed towards a terrorist act rather than a mental health issue, and awaited further information from Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew reportedly intervened, storming the cockpit and subduing the assailant. One Israeli official stated that a "very heavy disaster was averted."

Passengers on board described the chaotic events. Zvika Mans, CEO of Bank Leumi's underwriting company Barak Leumi, recounted entering the cockpit after hearing shouts and described the scene as "crazy" and "full of blood." Another passenger, Yitzhak Liber, stated that several individuals "jumped and removed them from the cockpit." During the incident, the plane reportedly lost approximately 14,000 feet in altitude within a minute, according to Flightradar data. Contact was eventually re-established with Saudi authorities, and the plane landed in the kingdom.

After hours of waiting and questioning in Saudi Arabia, passengers began boarding the replacement aircraft. However, a solution has yet to be found for the Israelis who are refusing to fly with Flydubai again following the traumatic experience. The original flight's landing in Israel was scheduled for 6:00 PM.