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Dubai to Israel flight broadcasts emergency alert, diverts to Saudi Arabia after reported feud between pilots
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent altercation between the two pilots raised fears of a hijacking, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets.
- Reports indicate one pilot attempted to hijack the plane but was subdued by crew and passengers; a female passenger described seeing blood and hearing screaming during the incident.
- Flight tracking data showed the aircraft rapidly lost altitude by over 17,000 feet in two minutes shortly after takeoff, intensifying concerns about the situation.
- Israeli officials identified the would-be hijacker as an Omani national, though Saudi and Israeli authorities have not confirmed details; all passengers are reported safe and a recovery flight is en route to retrieve them.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the situation is under control amid heightened security alerts, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel expressed relief that the incident was not more serious.
