Netanyahu says pilot arrested after stabbing another pilot and apparently trying to crash Israel-bound plane
A Flydubai pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities after allegedly stabbing his co-pilot and attempting to crash a plane traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Passengers and crew intervened to overpower the pilot and stabilize the aircraft, which landed safely in Tabuk.
Why it matters
This is a major aviation security incident involving a high-profile route and potential geopolitical implications.
Eyewitnesse shares testimony inside the plane/Screengrab
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has given a statement on the Flydubai flight incident.
He says "the pilot who carried out the stabbing was arrested and is currently being questioned by the Saudi authorities".
The plane was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it plummeted 17,000ft (5,200m) in less than two minutes, before being diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu says the pilot who launched the attack has been arrested and is being questioned by Saudi authorities.
Here is more from the Israeli prime minister's statement:
During the flight, as they were approaching Israel, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and, apparently, tried to crash the plane with its passengers on board.
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