In brief
During a 2026 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv a stabbingly incident erupted when a pilot stabbed his colleague, causing a rapid descent. The crew and passengers overpowered the attacker, allowing a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the crew as heroes, while officials have opened an investigation and called the act an attempted attack. International aircraft safety authorities are monitoring the incident.
On 30 September 2026 a Flydubai flight headed for Tel Aviv from Dubai suffered an in‑flight assault when one pilot stabbed the other, forcing a sudden descent over Saudi Arabia.
The crew and passengers quickly neutralised the attacker, preventing a catastrophic loss of control. The aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport, where the stabbing victim was later admitted to a hospital in stable condition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew as "heroes" and said the incident may have been an attempt to attack the plane. No motive has yet been identified, and investigations are ongoing.
Officials from both the Israeli and Saudi air forces were dispatched to the scene. The incident has prompted a review of aircraft security policies in the region.
