bound flydubai flight diverted after suspected fight between pilots
A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attempted to sabotage the aircraft. Passengers intervened to restrain the co-pilot, preventing a potential crash after the plane experienced a rapid descent.
Why it matters
This is a major aviation security incident involving international relations and the safety of commercial air travel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised passengers who intervened during the flight. ( Reuters: Ronen Zvulun )
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a co-pilot aboard a commercial flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv tried to stab the pilot and crash the plane.
The plane dropped over 4,000 metres in under 30 seconds while flying over Jordan.
Passengers held him down and prevented a "heavy disaster", Mr Netanyahu said.
Link copied Share Share article The co-pilot of a commercial flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv tried to crash the plane after stabbing the pilot, but passengers then held him down while other pilots landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
Describing the event as "a highly severe security incident," Mr Netanyahu said Saudi authorities would interrogate the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 from the United Arab Emirates to Israel.
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