Flydubai 737 diverted to Saudi Arabia after cockpit incident, Netanyahu says

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says one of the pilots of a Flydubai Boeing 737 Max stabbed the other during a flight bound for Tel Aviv, and appeared to try to bring the aircraft down with everyone on board. In statements carried by FlightGlobal, Netanyahu said the incident happened on the 30 September flight as it approached Israel.

The aircraft diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu said almost all the passengers were Israeli citizens. He spoke with one of them afterwards, who told him the aircraft went into a spin and started to dive. The passenger said he entered the cockpit with crew members, who restrained the attacking pilot while he was trying to interfere with the aircraft's systems, Netanyahu said. Another flight crew travelling on the flight also entered the cockpit and stabilised the aircraft, he added.

"They saved many lives," Netanyahu said, describing the passengers and crew as resourceful and courageous.

The pilot accused of the attack was arrested after landing at Tabuk and is being questioned by Saudi authorities, Netanyahu said. All passengers were out of danger, he said, and communication was being maintained with the relevant authorities over their wellbeing and return home. He added that he had instructed security services to prepare for further possible threats.

The account is attributed to the Israeli prime minister. No details of the pilot's condition or a possible motive were given in the statements described.