Flydubai Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia After Reported Fight Between Pilots

By ADBN TV

Updated September 30, 2026

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A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a violent incident between the pilots inside the cockpit.

The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport on Wednesday, where the captain and co-pilot were found with injuries and taken to hospital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says one of the pilots allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft, which was carrying mostly Israeli passengers.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft descending rapidly from about 10,000 metres to 5,100 metres before making an erratic circle near the Jordanian border.

Israeli officials say cabin crew entered the cockpit during the incident, while Israeli media reported that two other pilots travelling as passengers eventually took control of the aircraft and carried out the emergency landing.

Saudi authorities reportedly arrested the pilot accused of carrying out the attack and began questioning him.

Passengers were provided assistance after landing in Tabuk and later continued their journey to Tel Aviv aboard another aircraft.

Flydubai had not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident in the material provided.