FlyDubai Flight to Israel Diverted to Saudi Arabia

A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026, after a violent incident in the cockpit raised fears of a hijacking. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport.

Israeli officials described the event as a violent incident and a potential terror attack attempt. Israeli media reported the altercation stemmed from a pilot feud. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot accused of attacking another crew member was arrested and attempted to crash the plane.

A FlyDubai spokesperson confirmed a crew member diverted the flight, and that on-duty Flydubai crew members on board secured the aircraft. FlyDubai dispatched two additional planes to Tabuk to assist passengers and crew, urging against premature speculation as authorities investigate.

The incident triggered an emergency alert and a rapid descent of 17,400 feet in two minutes. The plane made an erratic circle near the Jordanian border before landing in Tabuk. In response to the alert, Israel had scrambled warplanes as a precaution against a potential hijacking. Saudi Arabia's aviation operator, Cluster2, confirmed both the captain and first officer sustained injuries and were hospitalized.