Tel Aviv, 30 September (H.S.): A serious security incident was reported aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday after, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft. Netanyahu said the quick response of passengers and crew members helped prevent a major disaster.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said the aircraft was approaching Israel when the alleged attack took place. Most of the passengers on board were Israeli citizens, he said.

According to Netanyahu, the aircraft went into a spin and began to plunge following the incident. An Israeli passenger, with the help of a crew member, managed to enter the cockpit and together they subdued the pilot who had allegedly carried out the attack.

Another member of the flight crew then entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft, Netanyahu said.

The Prime Minister praised the passengers and crew members for their courage and resourcefulness, saying their actions saved many lives and prevented a major disaster.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Netanyahu said all passengers were out of danger and that the pilot involved in the stabbing had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.

Netanyahu said Israeli authorities were in continuous contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the passengers' safety and facilitate their return to Israel. He also said he had instructed Israel's security services to prepare for possible additional threats and that security assessments were continuing.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and some other officials have described the incident as an alleged attempted terror attack. The circumstances and motive behind the incident are being investigated.

Meanwhile, another Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv also reached its destination safely. Flight FZ1081 had initially appeared on Flightradar24 as returning towards the UAE, but was later shown flying towards Israel and subsequently landed safely in Tel Aviv.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar