Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the FlyDubai pilot who attacked his co-pilot aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight has been detained and is currently being questioned by Saudi authorities, infohub.kz reports.
The Israeli prime minister's statement was published on his official Russian-language Telegram channel. "The attacking pilot has been detained and is currently being interrogated by Saudi authorities. We are in constant contact with the relevant agencies to guarantee the continued safety of the passengers and ensure their safe return home," NUR.KZ quoted Netanyahu as saying.
The prime minister also noted that nearly all passengers on board were Israeli citizens. "I salute the heroes who showed exceptional resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives and prevented a terrible disaster. I have instructed the security agencies to prepare for potential additional threats," he said.
The incident occurred aboard a FlyDubai aircraft. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward the plane. It was later reported that the airliner landed in Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai told Israeli television that a fight broke out between the pilots on the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Soon afterward, the first photos and videos from inside the cabin appeared: one image showed a passenger who was reportedly struggling with the attacker.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that one of the pilots may have deliberately tried to crash the plane. It is believed that the co-pilot and Israeli passengers intervened, grappling with him and preventing a catastrophe.
Another version regarding the pilots' citizenship was also reported. After claims of Russian and Ukrainian citizenship, information emerged that the pilots hold Omani and United Arab Emirates citizenship.
Later, reports emerged that one of the pilots may have died from stab wounds following the attack. Media also found that two pilots from Russia and Ukraine who took over control of the plane were traveling as passengers.