Flydubai Plane Diverted to Saudi Arabia After Suspected Hijacking Attempt

A Flydubai flight from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv, carrying 160 Israelis, experienced a sudden and sharp descent near the Jordanian border on Wednesday. The aircraft then transmitted two emergency signals, one indicating an unusual event and interference with the flight, and another signaling a hijacking. The plane subsequently lost contact and headed towards Saudi Arabia, where it was met by Israeli and Saudi fighter jets.

According to security officials and passenger accounts, the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, allegedly stabbed the Emirati captain multiple times, severely injuring him, before attempting to crash the plane. The co-pilot sustained minor injuries. Another flight crew member, who was outside the cockpit, reportedly broke in and regained control of the aircraft, restoring communication.

Following the incident, the plane landed in Saudi Arabia and was secured by local security forces. The co-pilot has been arrested and is under investigation, with authorities unsure if the motive was psychological or a terrorist act. The Mossad is leading the investigation with assistance from the Shin Bet, who will question passengers upon their return to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz convened an urgent security consultation, with IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi also holding a situation assessment. A senior security official expressed concern that the perpetrator was a pilot, raising fears of further security breaches and copycat attacks. Israel is also examining how the Omani co-pilot was cleared to fly to Israel.

Passengers described the cockpit being filled with blood and recounted the terrifying experience of the plane's sudden drop. El Al offered to send a rescue flight to Saudi Arabia, a first in the airline's history, but it appears the Israeli government will dispatch an IDF aircraft to bring the passengers home.