Flydubai Cancels Israel Flights Amid Pilot Dispute Investigation

Flydubai has canceled all its flights to Israel scheduled for tomorrow, following an incident aboard one of its flights. The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation into a fight that erupted in the cockpit between the pilot and his co-pilot. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot, prompting the crew and passengers to intervene. The aircraft issued emergency signals, including a "7700" code followed by a "7500" code, indicating an unlawful interference or hijacking, before making a sharp descent and diverting to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Israeli authorities are treating the incident as a serious security matter, investigating the possibility that the co-pilot intended to seize control of the plane and crash it. However, the co-pilot's motives have not yet been officially determined. Reports indicate the co-pilot is of Omani descent, while the pilot is of Emirati descent. Saudi and Emirati authorities have not yet released detailed official accounts of the incident.

The cancellation of tomorrow's flights follows a request by Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev to halt Flydubai's services to Israel until the investigation concludes and the airline's adherence to aviation agreements with Israel is reviewed. Flydubai previously stated that the incident involved two crew members and that the situation was secured, with all passengers and crew disembarking safely in Tabuk. Investigations into the causes are ongoing.

The incident left over 170 passengers, mostly Israelis, stranded in Saudi Arabia for hours before arrangements were made for their return. It has also raised questions about security procedures on flights operated by foreign airlines heading to Israel.