Israeli Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia After Co-Pilot Attack Lands Safely

A Flydubai flight carrying 174 Israeli passengers was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening after the co-pilot, identified as being of Omani origin, allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane. The aircraft was initially denied landing in Israel due to security concerns, with officials later suggesting it was a "jihadist attack attempt." The co-pilot reportedly used a sharp object to stab the captain multiple times before passengers intervened, helping to subdue the attacker and allowing the captain to land the plane.

Passengers described a terrifying ordeal, with the plane shaking and diving. "We thought we were going to die," said one passenger, Daniel Almaliach, who sent farewell messages to her parents. "The plane was shaking, diving down at the fastest speeds possible. The whole plane was screaming in terror, children screaming." Another passenger, Zvika Mans, recounted how he and others helped overpower the co-pilot after hearing screams from the cockpit. The captain, though injured, managed to land the plane.

Following the incident, Israeli security forces were put on alert for potential further threats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers' "resourcefulness and courage." The incident also raises questions regarding aviation agreements between Israel and the UAE, part of the Abraham Accords, which stipulate that pilots from countries hostile to Israel should not be placed in cockpits. Saudi Arabia reportedly denied Israel's request to send its own planes to retrieve the passengers.

In response to the incident, Israel's Transportation Minister Miri Regev demanded a freeze on all Flydubai flights to Israel, proposing they be replaced by Israeli carriers. However, this was complicated by updated Shin Bet security requirements that prevent Israeli airlines from flying to the UAE. The passengers were eventually returned to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.

Initial reports from Tabuk stated both pilots were injured and hospitalized. The co-pilot was apprehended, with witnesses describing him being taken away in handcuffs. The investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack is ongoing.