world 30 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Passengers Thwarted Pilot's Attempt to Crash Flydubai Flight: Israeli Officials
Passengers and crew on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel reportedly subdued a co-pilot who stabbed the pilot and attempted to crash the plane. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where the pilots were hospitalized. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/passengers-overcame-pilot-who-tried-to-crash-flydubai-flight-israel-says-5615092
In a dramatic incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, passengers are credited with preventing a catastrophe when a co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to bring down the aircraft. Israeli officials described the event as a “highly severe security incident,” stating that the co-pilot, identified by an Israeli official as an Omani national, was apprehended after the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that passengers, along with a crew member, managed to enter the cockpit during a steep descent and found the co-pilot attempting to sabotage the plane’s systems. He lauded the passengers for saving numerous lives and preventing a major disaster. The wounded pilot, who had been stabbed, was reportedly able to release the cockpit door, allowing a second set of pilots on board to safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Flight data indicated a rapid and significant descent of nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, preceding the emergency signals. Passengers recounted hearing screams and witnessing a pilot being forced to the floor by an assailant with a knife, with reports of blood present. The airline stated that the “underlying reasons for the event remained unknown” and cautioned against premature speculation, while Saudi authorities confirmed both pilots were hospitalized with injuries.
The incident, which occurred with over 170 Israelis on board, heightened security concerns in Israel, particularly in the weeks leading up to a national election. Following the landing, passengers were able to continue their journey to Israel on a replacement aircraft after an eight-hour delay. Israel’s Transport Ministry announced a joint investigation with the defense establishment.