Passengers and a crew member reportedly overpowered the co-pilot of a flydubai flight after he allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot, according to Netanyahu.
The Israeli prime minister described the incident as a “highly severe security incident” and said the passengers, most of whom were Israeli, were safe after the aircraft landed.
Passengers Enter Cockpit
Netanyahu said a passenger told him that passengers and a member of the crew entered the cockpit after the aircraft “entered a tailspin and began to dive.”
They allegedly found the co-pilot attempting to sabotage the aircraft’s systems after attacking the pilot.
“They saved many lives. They prevented a heavy disaster,” Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.
An Israeli official said the pilots had sent emergency signals following a physical confrontation between them.
Flight-tracking data appeared to support reports of a sudden loss of altitude. Flightradar24 data showed the aircraft dropping nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before the first emergency signal was transmitted.
Co-Pilot Arrested in Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu said the co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities after the plane landed and would be questioned by them.
An Israeli official identified the alleged attacker as an Omani national.
Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office, said shortly after the aircraft landed that the incident was not believed to be a hijacking, describing it instead as a “different incident.”
Israeli officials, speaking anonymously while briefing reporters, said Israel’s initial assessment was that the episode constituted an attempted “terror attack”.
They also said the incident was not believed to be connected to a mental health issue involving either pilot.
The aircraft’s diversion to Saudi Arabia allowed the passengers and crew to leave the plane safely, bringing an abrupt end to an incident that briefly placed the flight and everyone aboard at serious risk.
