Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Stabbing Incident

Flydubai Cockpit Incident Prompts Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Emirati captain in the cockpit. The aircraft landed safely following intervention by relief pilots on board.

According to available reports, the co-pilot, who had been employed by the airline for nine months, attacked the captain during the flight. The aircraft squawked emergency code 7700 followed by code 7500, indicating an unlawful interference or hijacking scenario. Saudi authorities confirmed that both pilots were hospitalized for injuries sustained during the incident.

International Coordination and Regional Response

The emergency triggered immediate regional cooperation under the auspices of US Central Command (CENTCOM). A joint operations room was established involving Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, with Jordan kept informed. Saudi and Jordanian fighter jets were scrambled as the plane altered its course.

Transport Minister Miri Regev has demanded an immediate freeze on Flydubai flights to Israel and ordered aviation authorities to review whether the airline breached bilateral agreements regarding pilot nationality requirements.

Evacuation Efforts and Diplomatic Scrutiny

Efforts to evacuate the passengers and crew from Saudi Arabia are ongoing, coordinated by the Prime Minister's Office and the Mossad. While Saudi Arabia approved an Emirati rescue aircraft, permission for an Israeli aircraft has not yet been granted. IDF aircraft and El Al remain on standby.

The incident has raised serious questions regarding security vetting, as Oman does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel.