Flydubai flight diverted after copilot attacks captain

A Flydubai flight heading from Dubai to Tel Aviv underwent an emergency diversion after its copilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, an incident Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterised as an attempted hijacking. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft descended 17,400 feet in under two minutes before landing safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with a relief crew taking control.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that Captain Smit Machchhar, though wounded, fought back against his attacker and managed to prevent what he called a potential "9/11 disaster." According to reports, a passenger intervened by placing the alleged assailant in a chokehold and helped stabilise the aircraft, though it remains unclear who ultimately landed the plane safely. Netanyahu also stated to Fox News that the attacking copilot was being investigated in Saudi Arabia and would likely be transferred to the United Arab Emirates, where the flight originated. He indicated that Israel was likely to participate in the investigation and that the copilot's motivation remained unknown, while emphasising the "tremendous courage" of those who intervened.

Flydubai has initiated its own investigation into the incident. All passengers have returned safely to Israel, and the episode has prompted greater attention to cockpit security procedures on commercial flights throughout the region.