Overview
- A Flydubai Boeing 737 flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent an emergency/hijack signal and sharply descended before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, September 30, after what passengers and reports say was a violent cockpit attack.
- Passengers and off‑duty crew entered the cockpit and subdued the co‑pilot, allowing the aircraft to be stabilized and to make an emergency landing with about 180 people on board unharmed.
- Saudi authorities have detained the co‑pilot, who is reported to be Omani, while the pilot, reported to be Indian, and the suspect received medical attention; all passengers were later returned to Israel.
- Israeli officials, citing statements from senior ministers, have described the incident as a suspected jihadist terrorist attempt and the Israel Defense Forces scrambled jets as part of the initial response.
- Multinational investigations are under way to establish motive, how a weapon entered the cabin, and whether changes to vetting, cockpit access and security on Israel routes will be required.