FlyDubai passengers recount terrifying ordeal as pilot allegedly attempted to hijack and crash flight to Israel
Updated on: September 30, 2026 / 8:34 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- FlyDubai flight 1073 experienced an alleged attempted hijacking and crash attempt by one of its pilots.
- The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Passengers described severe turbulence and a chaotic atmosphere during the incident.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to crash the plane.
- Passengers and off-duty crew members are credited with intervening to stop the attacker.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called it an attempted jihadist terror attack.
- The incident is being investigated as a potential Sept. 11-style terror attack.
- The pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities, and Israel is working to return the passengers home.