Flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, was diverted to Tabuk Airport after the incident, with all passengers and crew members reported safe. Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck and said the aircraft was secured by members of its crew who were travelling on board.
Israeli officials said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during the confrontation and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The captain and first officer were injured and taken to hospital after the plane landed.
Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft experienced a sharp descent during the incident, dropping thousands of feet within a short period before recovering.
The aircraft also transmitted the international emergency code 7700 before later switching to code 7500, which indicates hijacking or unlawful interference. The development prompted Israeli fighter jets to be scrambled towards the aircraft, according to reports.
The plane subsequently diverted towards Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport, where the injured pilots were taken for medical attention.
Reports said passengers and crew members helped secure the aircraft after the confrontation, while another team of pilots travelling on the flight took over control of the plane.
Israeli authorities initially described the incident as a violent clash between the two pilots but later said they were investigating whether it could have been a terrorism-related incident. The motive behind the altercation had not been established at the time of reporting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the situation was under control and that measures were being taken to ensure the safe return of the Israeli passengers.
Flydubai said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for, while investigations into the incident continued.
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