Flydubai Co-Pilot Tried to Crash Plane, Passengers Stopped Him

A Flydubai commercial aircraft carrying 180 passengers on the Dubai–Tel Aviv route declared an emergency on September 30, 2026, and made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

A senior Israeli official cited anonymously by Channel 12 television said authorities managed to prevent what could have been a catastrophic disaster. The second pilot is under investigation amid growing evidence that he attempted to seize control of the plane with the intention of crashing it.

"We managed to prevent the most terrible catastrophe," the official stated.

Passengers in Civilian Clothes Intervened

According to reports, there was an additional group of pilots traveling on board in civilian clothing. The Times of Israel, citing Channel 12, says these individuals prevented the co-pilot from gaining control of the aircraft and averted the potential crash.

The aircraft had transmitted a distress signal while turning over Saudi airspace before landing safely in Tabuk. All 180 passengers disembarked without casualties.

Investigation Ongoing

Israeli and aviation authorities are reviewing all available evidence from the flight. The identity of the second pilot has not been disclosed. Israeli officials spoke on condition of anonymity.