Jeddah — Saudi Arabian authorities have detained and launched a full interrogation of a flydubai co-pilot following a dramatic mid-air cockpit attack on a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft.
The incident, which triggered intense international security alerts and a brief emergency scramble of Israeli fighter jets, was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video address. According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed a fellow pilot and attempted to crash the plane before being subdued.
Flight-tracking data revealed that the Boeing 737 sharply plunged thousands of feet mid-flight after transmitting emergency transponder codes indicating unlawful interference. Passengers on board described terrifying scenes of chaos, noting that screams erupted from the cabin as blood was discovered near the cockpit.
Quick-thinking passengers, alongside off-duty pilots traveling as civilians, reportedly rushed forward to assist crew members, restrain the attacker, and regain control of the aircraft. The flight was subsequently diverted safely to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
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”The pilot who carried out the stabbing has been arrested and is currently being interrogated by Saudi authorities,” Netanyahu stated, adding that all remaining passengers were safe and that arrangements were being made to secure their return.
Investigations into the exact motive behind the cockpit confrontation remain ongoing.