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Passengers overcame co-pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Netanyahu says
Reuters • • general
Key Points:
- The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv stabbed the pilot and attempted to crash the plane, but passengers and crew subdued him, allowing other pilots to safely land the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as a "highly severe security incident" and confirmed the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, was arrested and will be interrogated by Saudi authorities.
- Flight data showed the plane rapidly descended nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before sending emergency signals, indicating the severity of the situation.
- Israeli officials believe the incident was an attempted terror attack rather than a hijacking or a mental health issue involving the pilots.
- Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew for their bravery in preventing a disaster, noting that almost all passengers were Israeli and are now safe.
