Israel PM says pilot of rerouted flight tried to crash plane
Passengers and crew on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv successfully intervened to stop a co-pilot who attempted to crash the aircraft. The incident is currently under investigation, and the airline has provided a replacement flight for the passengers.
Why it matters
The event highlights ongoing aviation security concerns in the Middle East and the potential for internal threats within commercial flight crews.
Passengers on a Flydubai flight have reached Israel safely on Wednesday (local time) after customers and crew foiled a co-pilot's attempt to crash the aircraft , Israeli officials said, in a struggle that began when he stabbed the pilot and sent the jet plunging nearly 14,000 feet (4267 metres) in less than 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew entered the cockpit, overpowered the co-pilot and enabled a second pair of Flydubai pilots who were aboard the flight to land the jet safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Israeli officials said.
According to unverified reports published by the Aviation Herald, one of pilots is a New Zealand citizen, the other from South Africa.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said its aware of reports that a New Zealand citizen was on board but it did not have formal confirmation as yet.
They said it embassies in the region were responding.
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