Flydubai Terror Incident: Israeli Security Sees Lone Attacker, No Iranian Link

Israeli authorities have officially classified an incident aboard a Flydubai flight as a terror attack, though security officials stated on Wednesday evening that there were no clear indications of Iranian involvement. Saudi authorities are reportedly not sharing many investigation details with Israel. The leading theory is that a lone perpetrator intended to crash the plane.

After hours of tension, 174 Israeli passengers from the flight, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia, landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday evening. One passenger, a 51-year-old man, was treated for minor chest injuries, while others required no medical attention.

Following initial assessments suggesting a "terror event," Defense Minister Israel Katz described it as a "jihadist terror attempt," stating the "terrorist's intention was one: to crash the plane with all its passengers." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the "heroes on the flight from Dubai" for their "resourcefulness and courage" and instructed the security establishment to prepare for further potential threats.

Israeli assessments suggest the co-pilot, of Omani origin, intended to crash the aircraft and attacked the pilot with a sharp object brought into the cockpit. The pilot, who was reportedly stabbed multiple times, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers to assist in subduing the co-pilot. This enabled the plane to land at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Tabuk airport reported that both pilots were injured and hospitalized. The co-pilot's presence in the cockpit may violate aviation agreements between Israel and the UAE, part of the Abraham Accords, which stipulate that pilots from countries hostile to Israel cannot be in the cockpit. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia rejected Israel's request for its planes to repatriate the Israelis.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev demanded a freeze on all Flydubai flights to Israel, conditional on replacement by Israeli carriers. However, this was complicated by Shin Bet requirements, first reported by Channel 13 News, preventing Israeli airlines from flying to the UAE. The incident began when the pilot entered a distress code indicating a hijacking, leading to the plane being denied entry to Israel and forced to land in Saudi Arabia with 174 Israelis aboard, escorted by Saudi fighter jets.

Passengers described the event as "horrifying" and "the scariest flight ever," with the plane shaking and diving rapidly. Passengers screamed in terror, but some Israelis "with incredible courage" began to take control. One passenger recounted, "Someone ran to the pilot and grabbed the controls and neutralized the attacker. Someone started shouting, the pilot was stabbed." Passengers initially unsure if it was a terror attack, prayed for a safe landing. One passenger sent farewell messages to her parents, describing the "shaking bodies, crying, praying." The attacker was reportedly apprehended in handcuffs. Another passenger who confronted the attacker described it as a "shattering event" and "traumatic," noting the pilot was bleeding heavily.