What we know so far about the midair FlyDubai attack | CBC News
A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain. The plane was carrying 174 people, most of them Israelis.
The aircraft rapidly descended from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in about a minute, then circled near the Jordanian border. It landed roughly an hour after the crew sent a distress call.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the alleged attacker. The pilot was recovering in hospital, according to an Indian official.
Passengers were later transferred to another aircraft and arrived in Israel on Wednesday night. Israeli officials identified the alleged attacker as an Omani national; Oman’s authorities had not commented in the report.
The United Arab Emirates said an investigation was under way and that it had jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered there. Investigators will examine whether the incident involved terrorism, planning or direction.
Key points
- The flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after an alleged attack on its captain.
- Passengers and crew subdued the alleged attacker, and the passengers later reached Israel.
- The UAE-led investigation will examine possible terrorist links and prior planning.