Guwahati: A British pilot travelling as an off-duty passenger reportedly helped stabilise a Flydubai aircraft after one pilot allegedly stabbed his colleague and attempted to take control of the plane while it was en route from Dubai to Israel.
The Flydubai aircraft, carrying around 180 passengers, was diverted to Tabuk in north-west Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after the incident. The plane reportedly descended more than 17,000 feet in less than two minutes, dropping from an altitude of around 34,000 feet, according to flight-tracking data cited in reports.
Passengers and crew members are said to have intervened after the alleged stabbing. Israeli passenger Almog Itali, speaking to the BBC, said two pilots were initially in the cockpit when one attacked the other.
According to Itali’s account, two relief pilots were also on board, including a British pilot. He said the off-duty pilot entered the cockpit, pulled the aircraft up and helped stabilise it before the plane was safely landed in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier reports had described the incident as a physical altercation between the pilots. An airline spokesperson said the flight experienced an “incident” while travelling towards Tel Aviv and was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot accused of carrying out the stabbing had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.
Netanyahu said the aircraft had reportedly begun spinning and descending as the pilots approached Israel. He said an Israeli passenger and a crew member managed to enter the cockpit and overpower the pilot who had allegedly carried out the stabbing.
He also said another crew member entered the cockpit and helped regain control of the aircraft, praising those involved for their actions.
Passengers reportedly described moments of panic during the incident. One passenger told i24NEWS that travellers heard screams and saw blood, while some feared they might not survive.
The aircraft reportedly transmitted emergency signals while in the region’s airspace, including a second general emergency signal before landing at Tabuk airport. Israeli authorities said fighter jets were scrambled after receiving the emergency alert.
Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister had been briefed and was monitoring the situation, adding that measures were being taken to ensure the safe return of the Israeli passengers.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with Israel involved in ongoing conflict involving Gaza and Iran and its regional allies.