Passengers describe chaotic emergency after alleged pilot attack on FlyDubai flight to Israel

FlyDubai Flight 1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a passenger reported that one pilot stabbed the other and tried to bring down the Boeing 737 Max 8. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the incident involved a pilot attempting to crash the plane and praised passengers who helped "neutralize the pilot." Defense Minister Israel Katz described it as an "attempted jihadist terror attack."

Passengers described severe turbulence that escalated into violent aircraft movements. Ron Levi, who was traveling with his family, said the plane began to turn sideways and descend erratically, lasting "much worse than a free-fall" for up to a minute. He and other travelers heard shouting from the front of the cabin and later saw a passenger emerge from the cockpit covered in blood.

Adam Polo, seated in row 13 with his young children, said the aircraft stabilized briefly before remaining airborne for over an hour without the primary crew. He reported that no crew members informed passengers of the situation; instead, other travelers provided updates. Polo observed a passenger running out of the cockpit with blood on his clothes.

According to multiple passenger accounts relayed to Israeli officials, the co-pilot stabbed the pilot and attempted to sabotage the aircraft's systems. Passengers and two off-duty pilots at the rear of the cabin reportedly intervened, taking control of the cockpit and restraining the attacker. A passenger later told reporters that the intervention prevented a crash.

Saudi authorities arrested the pilot involved and are questioning him. Israeli officials said they are investigating whether the act was a coordinated terror attack and whether it was intended as a large-scale assault. The flight landed safely in Tel Aviv around 8 p.m. local time, where passengers were greeted with cheers and chants as they disembarked.

The incident has raised concerns among travelers, with some passengers expressing reluctance to board another FlyDubai flight until safety assurances are provided.