TD JERUSALEM, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has provided further details about a serious security incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu gave the details on television few after the incident on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
He said the aircraft nearly plunged out of control after a pilot allegedly stabbed the other pilot and attempted to sabotage the aircraft.
The Boeing 737-8 MAX was carrying about 174 passengers when the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
According to Netanyahu, most of the passengers were Israelis.
Netanyahu: Co-pilot reportedly attacked captain
Netanyahu said one of the pilots attacked the other with a knife while the aircraft was approaching Israel.
According to his account, the attack was followed by a rapid descent that caused passengers to fear that the aircraft was being deliberately crashed.
“I spoke with one of the Israeli passengers,” Netanyahu said. “He told me that the plane went into a spin and began to dive.”
The passenger reportedly managed to enter the cockpit with the assistance of a crew member.
Netanyahu said they confronted and neutralised the attacking pilot while he was allegedly attempting to interfere with the aircraft’s systems.
Other crew members subsequently entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft.
Flight-tracking data independently shows a dramatic loss of altitude during the incident. Reuters reported that the aircraft dropped nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds.
Other tracking reports put the overall descent at approximately 17,000 feet.
Emergency and hijack signals transmitted
The aircraft transmitted emergency transponder codes during the incident.
According to Flightradar24, FZ1073 initially transmitted 7700, the international code indicating a general emergency.
It later transmitted 7500, the code associated with unlawful interference or a hijacking.
The aircraft later returned to 7700 before landing at Tabuk, according to reports.
The emergency signals prompted Netanyahu to order fighter aircraft scrambled as the aircraft travelled through the region.
Passengers and crew intervened
Netanyahu praised the passengers who entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker.
“I salute these heroes, who displayed exceptional resourcefulness and courage,” the Israeli prime minister said.
He credited their actions, together with those of the crew, with preventing what he described as a potentially catastrophic incident.
Reports from passengers and footage circulated after the incident showed a wounded pilot inside the aircraft.
They also showed passengers assisting with efforts to secure the cockpit.
Two off-duty pilots were also reportedly among those who helped regain control of the aircraft.
In the meantime, though, the precise sequence of events remains subject to investigation.
Plane lands safely in Saudi Arabia
With the aircraft under control, the flight was diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu recalled.
Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck and said the aircraft was secured by its crew before being diverted to Tabuk.
“All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for,” the airline said.
Saudi airport authorities said both pilots sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The suspected attacker was detained by Saudi authorities.
Later reports said the passengers departed Saudi Arabia aboard a replacement aircraft bound for their original destination.
Terror attack theory under investigation assures Netanyahu
Israeli officials have described the incident as a possible attempted terror attack.
Netanyahu said the pilot suspected of carrying out the attack had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described preliminary information as indicating that the attacker intended to crash the aircraft.
Meanwhile, other Israeli officials raised the possibility of a jihadist terror attack.
However, the motive has not been independently established.
Flydubai has urged against premature speculation.
It said the reasons and motives behind the incident remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation.
That distinction is important because initial reports described the event more generally as an altercation between the pilots before further allegations emerged from Israeli officials.
Netanyahu orders preparations for further threats
Following the incident, Netanyahu said he had instructed Israel’s security services to prepare for the possibility of additional threats.
He also said Israeli authorities were maintaining contact with relevant officials to ensure the passengers’ welfare and arrange their safe return.
“We are holding ongoing situation assessments, and we will update you as the situation develops,” Netanyahu said.
The incident has triggered a joint investigation involving Israeli authorities, while Saudi authorities are handling the detained pilot.
What is currently established
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
- A serious altercation occurred in the cockpit.
- The aircraft experienced a rapid and substantial descent.
- Emergency and unlawful-interference transponder codes were transmitted.
- The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
- All passengers and crew survived.
- The captain and first officer were injured and received medical treatment.
- Saudi authorities detained the pilot suspected of attacking the other pilot.
- Israeli officials are investigating the possibility that the incident was an attempted terror attack.
- The motive and precise circumstances remain under investigation.
The incident therefore represents a serious inflight security emergency, but the characterization of it as a confirmed terrorist attack remains subject to the ongoing investigation.
