Flydubai Co-Pilot Arrested After Alleged Stabbing and Diversion of Flight to Saudi Arabia
The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has been arrested after allegedly stabbing the pilot and attempting to crash the aircraft. Passengers and crew intervened to subdue the co-pilot, and the plane was safely landed by…
Baltimore, MD, September 30, 2026 —
A Flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an alleged incident involving the co-pilot. The co-pilot was arrested following accusations of stabbing the aircraft’s pilot and attempting to crash the plane.
According to preliminary reports, the alleged assault occurred during the flight. The situation escalated to a point where passengers and members of the cabin crew reportedly intervened to subdue the co-pilot. Following the intervention, the aircraft was safely landed in Saudi Arabia by other pilots who took control of the aircraft.
Further details regarding the specific timeline of the events, the condition of the injured pilot, or the exact nature of the co-pilot’s alleged actions have not yet been fully disclosed. The names of the involved pilots and the co-pilot have not been released by authorities or the airline. The airline, Flydubai, has not provided a detailed statement regarding the incident.
The motive behind the alleged stabbing and attempted crash remains unknown at this time. Investigations into the incident are expected to be conducted by relevant aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made its emergency landing. The co-pilot is currently in custody. The circumstances leading to the co-pilot’s alleged actions are under review. The specific security protocols and how they were potentially breached are also likely to be examined.
The flight’s passengers were reportedly unharmed, though the experience was undoubtedly distressing. The resolution of the situation, with the plane landing safely and the co-pilot apprehended, is a critical aspect of the event. The full scope of the incident, including any official statements or charges, is pending further information from the authorities involved in the investigation.
Story summarized from the original created by Olivia-Anne Cleary on time.com, see more information here.
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