Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel after a serious cockpit incident on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 people. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during the flight, causing the aircraft to descend sharply before passengers and other crew members intervened.
The injured captain and co-pilot were taken to hospital after the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk. Passengers were later transported to Israel on a replacement aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the motive behind the incident remains unclear and that it was too early to determine whether any organisation or country was involved. Investigators from Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and the United States are examining the incident.
Israel has also announced tighter checks on pilots operating flights into the country following the incident.
Flydubai said the suspension would remain in place while authorities establish the facts, urging against premature conclusions about the circumstances or motive.
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