ISRAEL PM SAYS PILOT TRIED TO CRASH PLANE

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly stabbed the other pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft while it was flying toward Israel.

Netanyahu said the incident occurred aboard Flight FZ1073 on Wednesday, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. All passengers were reported safe and accounted for.

According to Netanyahu, the aircraft entered a steep descent after the altercation in the cockpit. Passengers and a crew member reportedly managed to enter the cockpit, subdue the alleged attacker and prevent further interference with the aircraft’s systems.

Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 MAX 8 suddenly dropping from about 33,000 feet to around 17,000 feet in roughly a minute before the aircraft was stabilised. The flight also transmitted emergency signals during the incident.

Saudi authorities arrested the pilot suspected of carrying out the attack, while both pilots were taken to hospital with injuries. The motive remains under investigation, although Israeli officials have said they are examining the incident as a possible terror attack.

Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew members who intervened, saying their actions prevented what could have been a major disaster. Israeli authorities are also working to facilitate the return of the passengers to Israel.

Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft experienced an incident while en route to Tel Aviv and said it landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers accounted for. Investigations into exactly what happened in the cockpit are continuing.