Flydubai terror attack scare: Indian national was Flydubai Captain who fought off co-pilot during mid-air attack

Flydubai flight scare: A dramatic incident was reported aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv after a violent confrontation reportedly broke out between the two pilots inside the cockpit.

According to Israeli media reports, the captain was an Indian national who was attacked and stabbed by the co-pilot before fighting back and preventing the aircraft from being brought down. The incident reportedly put the lives of more than 170 persons on board at risk.

The aircraft, operating as Flight FZ1073, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after emergency signals were transmitted from the plane. Flydubai later confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk and that all passengers were safe.

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Israeli reports said two off-duty pilots travelling among the passengers also became involved during the emergency and helped the crew regain control of the situation before the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.

Channel 12 reportedly described the captain as being of Indian origin, while Ynet identified him as an Indian national. However, reports about the identities and nationalities of the pilots have varied and the details remain under investigation.

The co-pilot has been identified in Israeli reports as an Omani national. Investigators are now looking into how he was cleared to operate a flight to Israel, given the security checks reportedly required for foreign crew members, particularly those from Arab and Gulf countries.

Authorities are also examining whether the co-pilot may have held dual citizenship, which could have affected the security screening process. Israeli media reports said he had been working for Flydubai for less than a year.

Both pilots were reportedly taken to a hospital in Tabuk following the incident.

The exact motive behind the confrontation remains unclear. Israeli officials are investigating whether the episode was an attempted terror attack or another form of deliberate action. Reuters reported that Israeli authorities were treating the incident as a possible attempted terror attack, while also noting that the episode did not appear to be a conventional hijacking.

Flydubai has so far confirmed that the flight experienced an incident during the journey and landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers accounted for. The airline said it was working with the relevant authorities and would provide further information as confirmed details became available.