Live: FlyDubai suspends flights to and from Israel after pilot attack

DUBAI, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —

FlyDubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel after a pilot allegedly stabbed his co‑pilot during a Dubai‑Tel Aviv service on Wednesday, an incident the United Arab Emirates’ prosecutor‑general has ordered to be investigated.

Passengers described the event as a sudden plunge “like a roller‑coaster” with no turbulence, according to an account given to AFP. The aircraft then circled near the Jordanian border before being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed about an hour later.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot attempted to crash the aircraft and kill the passengers. He added that a passenger and a crew member entered the cockpit, enabling the remaining crew to regain control and bring the plane to a safe landing. Both pilots sustained injuries that required hospital treatment, and Netanyahu said one of the pilots has been arrested by Saudi authorities.

The UAE prosecutor‑general announced that the investigation will examine the circumstances and motives of the incident, including whether it was linked to any militant activity or involved prior planning or direction. The statement clarified that UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag, and that UAE law applies to crimes committed on board even if they occur outside the country’s territory.

FlyDubai confirmed that its services to and from Israel will remain suspended while the probe proceeds. The airline, owned by Emirates, did not provide further comment on the operational impact of the suspension.

The incident has drawn immediate reactions from regional officials. Israel’s defence minister labelled the episode a thwarted “terror attack”. The United Arab Emirates, through its state news agency, emphasized the legal basis for the investigation and the applicability of Emirati law to the case. Saudi authorities, which facilitated the emergency landing in Tabuk, have taken custody of the arrested pilot, according to the prime minister’s remarks.

Aviation experts noted the severity of the descent, pointing out that the aircraft’s rudder was reportedly ripped off the tail during the plunge, yet the plane did not crash. The rapid loss of altitude and the subsequent emergency diversion underscore the challenges of handling in‑flight violence and the importance of cockpit security protocols.

The suspension of flydubai’s Israel‑bound flights comes at a time when regional air traffic is already under pressure from heightened security concerns. The airline’s decision to halt services will affect both passenger and cargo movements between the Gulf and Israel, potentially prompting travelers to seek alternative carriers or routes.

Market observers have highlighted the broader implications for airlines operating under UAE registration, as the investigation may set precedents for how similar incidents are addressed legally and operationally.

The UAE prosecutor‑general’s investigation will determine whether the act was motivated by extremist ideology or other factors, and whether any external direction was involved. The outcome is expected to shape regulatory responses and could influence future bilateral aviation agreements between the UAE, Israel and neighboring states. The next steps will depend on the findings of the probe, after which flydubai may resume its Israel services pending any safety or legal recommendations.