FlyDubai 737 diverts to Saudi Arabia after struggle between pilots

Two FlyDubai pilots fought on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv early Wednesday, prompting a diversion to Saudi Arabia, according to an account of the incident that could not be independently verified.

The Boeing 737 MAX dropped about 17,400 feet in roughly two minutes and transmitted a distress signal indicating a general emergency before switching to one signalling unlawful interference. It landed at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk.

Israeli officials said one pilot stabbed the other in the cockpit and tried to take control of the aircraft. Crew members and passengers near the front of the cabin saw the altercation, subdued the attacker and pulled him out of the cockpit. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers then took the controls and landed the jet in Tabuk, the officials said.

Both the captain and the first officer were taken to a local hospital. More than 100 passengers were on board. None were reported injured.

The airline had not commented, and the circumstances surrounding the event remain unclear. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said arrangements were being made to carry Israeli passengers to Tel Aviv after many declined to board a FlyDubai flight out of Tabuk.