The co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was arrested after attempting to crash the plane and injuring the captain. This incident occurred while approaching Israel and led to intervention by passengers and the flight crew.
Details of the Incident
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, stated in a press release that during the flight, one of the pilots attacked the other and apparently attempted to guide the plane towards the ground. Meanwhile, passengers, with the help of the flight crew, managed to enter the cockpit and subdue the co-pilot.
Netanyahu said in a video statement: "One of the Israeli passengers told me that the plane was spinning violently and was falling down." He also noted that the passengers, along with one of the crew members, were able to breach the cockpit and control the pilot who had attacked the other.
Response to the Incident
Investigations indicate that during this incident, the plane descended nearly 14,000 feet in a span of 30 seconds. Netanyahu praised the brave actions of the passengers and crew, describing them as "heroes" who saved many lives with their logic and courage.
FlyDubai confirmed in a statement that the flight was successfully managed by the crew present, and all passengers and crew are safe. The company also noted that the reasons and motivations behind this incident are currently unclear and are under thorough investigation.
This incident comes at a time when flight security has become one of the main concerns for various countries, and this issue is always under the scrutiny of media and security officials. Global reactions to this incident and its consequences are still unfolding.
Read more: Nasrin Sotoudeh receives the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026
