Passengers foil alleged attempt to crash Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

Passengers and crew helped prevent a potential disaster aboard a flydubai flight after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to take control of the aircraft, Israeli officials said.

Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when an altercation erupted inside the cockpit. The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before the crew and passengers intervened.

According to Israeli officials, the pilot was stabbed during the incident but managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers then entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot while two additional flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped regain control.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Both pilots were taken to hospital for treatment. Saudi authorities were expected to question the co-pilot, whose motive remained under investigation.

The flight was carrying 174 people, most of them Israeli nationals. After spending more than 10 hours in Saudi Arabia, the passengers reached Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft.

Several passengers described the incident as a terrifying experience. One passenger said those who entered the cockpit acted instinctively to protect their families and fellow travellers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers who intervened and ordered tighter security checks on pilots operating flights into Israel.

Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the cockpit but said the reasons behind the incident were not yet known. The airline urged against speculation while investigations continued.