Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Co-Pilot Allegedly Attempts Hijacking, Stabs Captain
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A Flydubai passenger jet en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent emergency signals and diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a knife in an attempted hijacking. The aircraft carrying 174 passengers and crew plunged 14,125 feet within 29 seconds before passengers and security personnel subdued the attacker. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the incident and said the suspect was being questioned by Saudi authorities.
Key Points
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai at 7:05 AM local time on September 30, carrying approximately 150 Israeli passengers and crew out of 174 total on board
- The aircraft dropped from 30,875 feet to 16,750 feet in just 29 seconds, sending a "7500" hijack code 7 minutes after an initial "7700" emergency code
- The Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the Emirati captain with a folding knife, attempting to crash the aircraft while pinning the captain to the floor of the bloodied cockpit
- Passengers and undercover security personnel rushed the cockpit and restrained the attacker, while Israeli medical professionals on board provided emergency care to the injured captain
- Saudi authorities have arrested the attacker, and Israel is now investigating the incident as a possible terrorist act targeting Israeli nationals
Why It Matters
This incident exposes critical vulnerabilities in cockpit security protocols, as an armed crew member was able to execute a violent takeover attempt mid-flight. The near-disaster underscores the importance of rapid passenger and security response in protecting flights from insider threats, a concern that will likely trigger reviews of pre-flight screening for aviation personnel across the Middle East and beyond .
This incident exposes critical vulnerabilities in cockpit security protocols, as an armed crew member was able to execute a violent takeover attempt mid-flight. The near-disaster underscores the importance of rapid passenger and security response in protecting flights from insider threats, a concern that will likely trigger reviews of pre-flight screening for aviation personnel across the Middle East and beyond .