Trump Comments on Flydubai Pilot Incident, Cites Israeli Passenger Intervention

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed him on an incident aboard a Flydubai flight. According to Trump, an Israeli passenger intervened after noticing a disturbance in the cockpit, confronting and removing the co-pilot from the controls. Trump described the passenger as a strong, "Israeli plumber" with no prior flying experience, who helped regain control of the aircraft during a dangerous descent before a crew member could take over. Trump emphasized that the passenger's actions likely prevented a disaster, but he could not confirm the complete accuracy of Netanyahu's account. He noted that questions remain about the co-pilot's intentions as the investigation continues.

The incident involved a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a violent altercation in the cockpit. Flydubai confirmed a dispute between two flight crew members, stating the aircraft was secured and landed safely, but the motives remain unclear. One passenger involved in the intervention later recounted entering the cockpit, removing the aggressor from the controls, and assisting in leveling the aircraft before a crew member assumed command.

In response to the incident, Flydubai has canceled its flights to and from Tel Aviv for six days, with the possibility of extension, pending the investigation's findings.