An international commercial flight operated by Flydubai was forced to make an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning following an alleged in-flight altercation between the pilot and co-pilot. The Boeing 737, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with approximately 180 Israeli passengers on board, triggered emergency squawk codes and dropped altitude rapidly over Jordanian airspace before landing safely in the northwestern Saudi city of Tabuk.
Emergency Descent and Diverted Route Over the Middle East
The Boeing 737 initially broadcast a general emergency squawk before transmitting a transponder code specifically associated with an aircraft hijacking. Crew members subsequently reverted to a general emergency signal as the jetliner executed a sharp, unannounced descent, plunging nearly 17,000 feet within a single minute from a cruising altitude of roughly 34,000 feet down to under 17,000 feet.
Following the abrupt descent, the aircraft altered course away from its scheduled flight path toward Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. It diverted safely into Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The flight had been scheduled to touch down in Israel at 9:10 a.m. local time.
Passenger Accounts Detail Panic and Blood in the Cockpit
Passengers aboard the aircraft recounted moments of intense fear as the confrontation unfolded mid-flight. One Israeli traveler told the Israeli television network N12 that screaming and panic erupted throughout the cabin once the severity of the situation became clear. Several male passengers, including Israeli citizens on board, stood up and intervened to overpower the attacking crew member before the plane landed.
Another passenger described hearing loud shouting from the flight deck and later observing significant amounts of blood inside the cockpit area. She stated that there were terrifying moments when passengers feared they would not survive the journey. Airline representatives confirmed an unspecified incident occurred on board, emphasizing that the machine landed safely and that all travelers remained unharmed following the touchdown in Saudi territory.
Diplomatic Context and Security Investigations
Israeli media outlet ynet reported that the co-pilot suspected in the attack originated from Oman, though official confirmation regarding his nationality and background remained pending. Early conflicting reports had alternatively suggested Russian and Ukrainian nationalities for the flight deck crew members. An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed that the co-pilot was detained and undergoing questioning by authorities in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli security officials evaluating the incident are treating the event as a potential attempted terror attack, according to regional media reporting. The initial assessment from aviation authorities had pointed toward a personal or professional dispute between the two pilots. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement confirming that the Israeli leader held consultations regarding the emergency and monitored developments closely, noting that the situation was under control and that efforts were underway to arrange the safe repatriation of the Israeli citizens.
Because Israel and Saudi Arabia maintain no formal diplomatic relations, coordinating the return of the roughly 180 Israeli passengers required specialized diplomatic channels.
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