Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saudi authorities have detained the pilot of a Flydubai flight who allegedly attacked the other pilot and attempted to bring down the aircraft carrying Israeli passengers. He said passengers and crew members managed to restrain the attacker, preventing what he described as a serious disaster. Netanyahu praised those on board for their courage and swift response, saying their actions helped save many lives.

The incident took place aboard a commercial flight travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. An alleged confrontation between the pilots led the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

According to Israeli media reports, an Indian national was serving as the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, while the co pilot was an Omani national who was suspected of trying to crash the aircraft. The reports said the Indian captain confronted the co pilot in an effort to prevent the aircraft from going down.

The reports indicated that the emergency situation began following an altercation between the pilots inside the cockpit. Israeli passengers later entered the cockpit and helped restrain the co pilot. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The Israeli government said the situation was under control and that arrangements were being made to facilitate the return of the passengers.

Meanwhile, the Israel Airports Authority has set up a dedicated waiting and information area at Ben Gurion Airport for relatives of passengers who were travelling on the Tel Aviv bound Flydubai flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia.