Pilot wanted to crash flydubai plane, being interrogated in Saudi Arabia: Israel PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia had arrested the pilot of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv after he allegedly stabbed the other pilot and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft. The flight was carrying mostly Israeli passengers. Netanyahu said the passengers intervened during the incident and prevented what he described as a "major disaster".

According to Netanyahu, one of the pilots attacked the other with a knife as the aircraft approached Israel. He said the pilot then apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board. Netanyahu said the incident was stopped after passengers intervened, describing them as "heroes" who helped prevent a major disaster.

The incident involved



flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Earlier reports said the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia following the emergency inside the cockpit. The incident triggered an investigation into what happened aboard the aircraft.

Netanyahu said the pilot who allegedly carried out the stabbing had been arrested by Saudi authorities and was being interrogated. The Israeli prime minister also said preparations were being made against the possibility of further threats.

The development follows reports that the aircraft experienced a serious incident inside the cockpit, with one pilot allegedly attacking the other and attempting to bring the plane down. The exact circumstances and motive remain under investigation.