A flydubai aircraft bound for Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co‑pilot stabbed the captain, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

"It is too early to say what the motive was," Netanyahu told reporters.

According to the BBC, the incident occurred on a flight that departed Dubai on Tuesday. Witnesses reported that the co‑pilot, whose identity has not been disclosed, attacked the captain in the cockpit and appeared to try to bring the plane down before passengers intervened.

Passengers, including several who spoke to DW News, say they restrained the assailant after the captain was injured. The aircraft then diverted to the Saudi Arabian city of Al‑Ula, where it landed safely. No fatalities have been reported.

flydubai cockpit interior during emergency landing

Investigation launched in Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities have opened a criminal investigation, and the co‑pilot is now being held for questioning, the Israeli prime minister added. Netanyahu said the investigation is being conducted in close coordination with Israeli security services.

The pilot's actions have prompted a review of security protocols for the growing number of flights linking the United Arab Emirates and Israel, a route that was re‑opened after the Abraham Accords in 2020.

Broader security concerns

While the motive remains unknown, the attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including recent clashes in Gaza and a series of drone strikes targeting infrastructure in both Israel and the Gulf.

Western aviation authorities have warned that the incident could lead to tighter screening of crew members on international routes, particularly those involving newly established diplomatic ties.

Potential diplomatic fallout

Netanyahu said Israel will discuss the matter with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to ensure that security cooperation remains robust. The UAE has not yet issued an official comment, but a spokesperson for flydubai confirmed that the airline is cooperating fully with Saudi investigators.

The incident underscores the challenges of normalising travel between former adversaries while safeguarding passengers against insider threats.

Saudi officials have pledged to conclude their investigation promptly, and the co‑pilot is expected to face charges under the kingdom’s anti‑terrorism laws.