Passengers and crew subdued a co-pilot after he stabbed the captain aboard a flydubai flight carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv, allowing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The attack occurred Sept. 30 on Flight FZ1073, according to The Associated Press, citing witnesses and Israeli authorities.
The aircraft began descending sharply during the struggle. Flightradar24 data cited by AP showed it falling from about 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in roughly one minute. Israel scrambled fighter jets amid concerns that the plane had been hijacked.
Passengers forced their way into the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker. Other crew members then regained control of the aircraft.
Emergency Landing in Tabuk
Flydubai confirmed an incident in the cockpit and said the crew brought the situation under control before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft landed safely, and everyone aboard was accounted for.
The captain, identified by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, was reported in stable condition. Israeli emergency services said three passengers suffered minor injuries.
Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot, who was being questioned. The motive remained unclear. Flydubai urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues and temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel.
Original VB report: Vesti Baku