Stories
Flydubai Co-Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Crash Plane in "Jihadist Terrorist Attack"
- •A Flydubai co-pilot was arrested in Saudi Arabia after allegedly stabbing the pilot and attempting to crash a Boeing 737 MAX jet carrying 174 people, including 27 children.
- •Israeli leaders, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, described the incident as a "jihadist terrorist attack" attempt.
- •The suspect, reportedly of Omani descent, allegedly intended to crash the plane, according to initial information from Israel's Defense Minister.
- •Passengers on board Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, are credited with overpowering the alleged attacker and helping to save lives.
- •The aircraft transmitted a distress signal and an "unlawful interference" alert before being diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both injured pilots were hospitalized and the suspect was arrested and is being questioned.
Key Questions Answered
The co-pilot of a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX flight allegedly stabbed the pilot during a mid-air altercation and attempted to crash the plane carrying 174 people. Israeli leaders described the incident as a jihadist terrorist attack before the aircraft was successfully diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Israeli passengers on board showed extraordinary bravery by breaking into the cockpit, overpowering the suspect, and restoring control of the plane to the remaining flight crew. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz credited these passengers with saving many lives.
The aircraft transmitted an unlawful interference alert and was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The suspect was arrested in Saudi Arabia and is currently being questioned by authorities.
