Netanyahu says pilot arrested after trying to crash Israel-bound flydubai plane
The Israeli prime minister said one pilot stabbed the other and allegedly tried to crash the plane before crew members intervened and stabilised the aircraft.
One pilot on a flydubai flight carrying Israeli passengers was arrested in Saudi Arabia after allegedly stabbing the other pilot and attempting to crash the plane, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (30 September).
In a video statement, Netanyahu described the incident as "a highly severe security incident" and said he had spoken with one of the Israeli passengers on board.
According to Netanyahu, the plane entered a tailspin after one pilot stabbed the other. The passenger and a crew member then entered the cockpit and neutralised the pilot while he was allegedly trying to sabotage the aircraft's systems.
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Additional crew members entered the cockpit and stabilised the aircraft, Netanyahu said.
The arrested pilot is being questioned by Saudi authorities, he added.
"We are maintaining continuous contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the ongoing safety of the passengers and to guarantee their prompt return home," Netanyahu said.
He also said he had instructed Israel's security establishment to prepare for potential additional threats.
The incident occurred on Wednesday on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the incident.
Flydubai has said the reasons for the incident remained unclear and urged against speculation while authorities investigate.
