Netanyahu Reports Co-Pilot's Attempted Crash on Flydubai Flight

On September 30, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that a Flydubai co-pilot attempted to crash Flight FZ1073 as it approached Israel. The flight, carrying 172 people, including 169 Israeli citizens, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu stated that the co-pilot had been arrested and was under interrogation by Saudi authorities. An Israeli passenger recounted that the aircraft entered a spin and began to descend, prompting a crew member and the passenger to break into the cockpit and overpower the suspect.

Another crew member managed to stabilize the plane. Flightradar24 data indicated a rapid drop of nearly 14,000 feet within 30 seconds.

Netanyahu commended the actions of the passengers and crew, labeling them as “heroes.” Flydubai confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for, while the airline stated that the reasons behind the incident were still unknown and under formal investigation. The captain and first officer sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital.