Israel-bound flight diverted after reported cockpit knife attack

Passengers reportedly rushed to help after a knife attack erupted inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia, Joburg {Etc} reports.

According to BBC News’ live coverage, witnesses said one of the pilots was attacked before several passengers intervened. The captain and first officer were both injured and taken to hospital after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. One passenger described ‘terrible screams throughout the plane’ before saying ‘three to five guys burst into the cockpit’ and subdued the attacker.

Another passenger said ‘we took control of the flight’ after confronting ‘an assailant with a knife’. Two other pilots who had reportedly been travelling as passengers then came forward and helped land the aircraft.

Flight data showed the aircraft dropped around 17 000 feet, or 5 200 metres, in less than two minutes. The aircraft initially transmitted an emergency signal about two hours into the flight before switching to a hijacking code. It later returned to a general emergency signal.

🚨 BREAKING: Flydubai flight makes emergency landing in Tabuk after pilots reportedly fought in the cockpit mid-air.

The plane briefly transmitted squawk 7500 before reverting to 7700; all passengers are safe.#Flydubai #ولي__العهد #Dubai #プロセカ6周年 pic.twitter.com/PNSITxfiN7

Eyes on the Globe (@eyes_globe) September 30, 2026

The incident has produced conflicting early accounts. Israeli officials told Reuters that the incident was being investigated as a possible attack, while other early accounts described it as a fight between the pilots. The investigation remains ongoing.

There is a striking historical parallel. In 1999, a passenger on an All Nippon Airways flight in Japan stabbed the pilot and briefly took control of the aircraft. The pilot was killed, while the co-pilot and passengers overpowered the attacker as the plane descended rapidly before landing safely.

The incident was documented at the time by the FBI and reported by The Washington Post.

The Flydubai aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, with all passengers accounted for. The airline said it was working with the relevant authorities as investigations continued.