By SCM International Desk I Wednesday, Sept 30, 2026
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JERUSALEM — A flight carrying dozens of Israeli citizens from Dubai narrowly averted tragedy on Wednesday when a pilot stabbed a colleague in midair in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
The plane, which began a sharp dive as it approached its destination, was stabilized after an Israeli passenger and a crew member forced their way into the cockpit, neutralized the attacker, and allowed another crew member to take control of the controls.
The aircraft was forced to execute an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. All passengers were reported safe, and Saudi authorities took the attacker into custody.
”This morning, there was a serious security incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a statement detailing the incident. “During the flight, as they approached the country, one of the pilots stabbed the second pilot, and apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board.”
According to the prime minister, the aircraft went into a spin and began a steep descent during the altercation. Describing a conversation with an Israeli passenger on board, Mr. Netanyahu detailed how two individuals broke through the cockpit barrier to intervene.
”He told me that, somehow or other, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and that together they neutralized the stabbing pilot while he was trying to sabotage the plane’s systems,” Mr. Netanyahu said. “Another flight crew on board entered the cockpit and managed to stabilize the plane.”
”I salute these heroes, who displayed exceptional resourcefulness and courage,” he added. “They saved many lives. They prevented a huge disaster.”
The emergency landing in Tabuk marks a rare instance of an Israeli-bound flight touching down on Saudi soil, where the passengers were placed under the protection of local officials. The suspect was arrested immediately upon landing and remains in Saudi custody for interrogation.
Israeli security agencies are conducting continuous situation assessments and coordinating with international authorities to secure the safe return of the passengers. Mr. Netanyahu added that he has instructed domestic security services to prepare for potential secondary threats as the investigation unfolds.
